The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
