Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming 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 whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
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The Historic Rivalry
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