The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
