The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy 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 rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
