Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
