The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
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