The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
