Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
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 be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
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