The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
