The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated 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 ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
