The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
