The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
