Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
