The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
