The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
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