Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed 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 other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
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