Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
