The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
