The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
