The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
