The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
