The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role 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 Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
