The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. 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 last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
