Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026