The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
