The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
