The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
