The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has declared 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 stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
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 multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
