Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach 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 rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
