The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss 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 contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
