Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
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