The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
