Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
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