The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
