The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
