The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
