Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
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