The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
