The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
