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 play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
