Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role 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 had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
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