The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
