The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
