The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
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