The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
