The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches 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 setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
