The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. 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
