The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear 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 be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
