The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, 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 first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
