The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
