The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized 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 conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"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 anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
