The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
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All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
