The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts 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 lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
