The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
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The Historic Rivalry
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