The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
