Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
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 Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
