The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
