The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
