The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, 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 all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
