The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith 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
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
