The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
