The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
