The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
