The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
