The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
