The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors 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 be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
