The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
