The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play 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 initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
