The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
