The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
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 November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
