The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
