The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
