The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable 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 extended contest set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
