The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
