The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
