The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
