Srinagar: Veteran batsman Steve Smith is poised to step in as Australia’s captain for the upcoming Ashes series against England, should regular skipper Pat Cummins remain sidelined, according to a report in The Age.

Selection chair George Bailey confirmed that Australia’s leadership strategy is “business as usual,” with Smith being the frontrunner to take charge in Cummins’ absence. Cummins, currently undergoing rehabilitation, is expected to travel with the squad and continue his bowling preparations during the series buildup.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Cameron Green has been withdrawn from Australia’s ODI squad against India due to side soreness. Marnus Labuschagne has been named as his replacement. Bailey clarified that scans had cleared Green of any serious strain and emphasized that playing the upcoming Sheffield Shield matches for Western Australia would best prepare him for his all-rounder duties in the Ashes.

Smith, who recently returned from New York, is set to feature in the next two Sheffield Shield fixtures for New South Wales, scheduled in Brisbane and Sydney, ahead of the high-profile England series.