Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement 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 was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
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