The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
