The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
