The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
