The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
