The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's 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 Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, 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 subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. 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."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
