Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
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The Historic Rivalry
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