Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach 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 admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
