The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
