The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. 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."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
