The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
