The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
