The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
