The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
