The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
