The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers 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 it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
