Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad 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 stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
