The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
