Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
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