The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
