The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation 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 initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
