The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026