Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
