Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"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," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026