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 stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
