The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
