Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
