The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
