The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team 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 confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
