The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed 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 developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
