The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed 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 multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan 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 rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, 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 initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
