Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
