Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
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.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
