The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming 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 definitive call 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 the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
