The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
