The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear 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 first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
