The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts 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 lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
