The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
