The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
