The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
