The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
