The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
