The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
