The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
