The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
