The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
