The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning 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 starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
