The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
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