The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned 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 the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared 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 batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
