Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated 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 initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
