The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
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