The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
