The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences 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 make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
