The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
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 back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
