The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
