The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
