Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
