Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
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