Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
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