Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem 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 kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style 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
