The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
