The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups 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 ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
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