The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
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