The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
