The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
