The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play 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 be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
