The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
