The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
