The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded 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 recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026