The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
