The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
