The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's 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 squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
