The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
