The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available 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 cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
