The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
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 various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
