The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
