The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
