The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan 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 recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
A tech strategist with over a decade in AI implementation and digital transformation projects across various industries.
