The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman 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 "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
