The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of 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 series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
