Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
