The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
