Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned 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 developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
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