The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
