The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
