The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable 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 whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted 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.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
