The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
