Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
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