The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
