The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
