The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. 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."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
