The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
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