The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
