Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
