The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
