Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
