The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
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