Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead 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 had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
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The Historic Rivalry
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