Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
