The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
