The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green 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 "small issue and mentioned 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 take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
