The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
