Adelaide, December 16: Usman Khawaja has been dropped from Australia’s playing eleven for the third Ashes Test to be held in Adelaide. With this, speculations have intensified that perhaps this could prove to be Khawaja’s last Test for Australia. The selectors have expressed confidence in the aggressive opening pair of Jake Weatherald and Travis Head. As expected, captain Pat Cummins and experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon have returned to the team. Due to his withdrawal, Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett had to sit out. Khawaja could not play in the second Test as he had not fully recovered from the back spasm suffered during the Perth Test. However, earlier this week, Khawaja had declared himself 100 percent fit and expressed his desire to retain his place in the team. There was also discussion about his role in the middle order, but the selectors decided to retain Josh Inglis and continue with the Wetherald-Head opening pair. The pair had added 75 runs in the second innings of Perth, while both had made a partnership of 77 runs in the first innings of the Gabba Test. The selectors believe that this has put pressure on England’s bowling attack. Captain Pat Cummins said in the press conference on Tuesday, “Travis opening has been a big change for us after the first Test and his pairing with Wetherald has looked very good. We felt that there is no need to change the middle order. Both the openers have been continuously running the scoreboard and this is also giving good starts to Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.” Will turn 39 during the test. Since the 2023 Ashes, his average has been 31.84 and during this period he has scored only one century in 45 innings. On the chances of Khawaja’s comeback, Cummins said, “Yes, there are definitely possibilities. The selectors look at every Test differently. Khawaja’s strength is that he has scored runs in both the top order and the middle order. If we feel that the team needs him, then the door is always open for him to come back.” Australia were also praised for taking a 2-0 lead despite injuries. He said it shows the depth of the Australian cricket system. Despite Josh Hazlewood being out of the series and Cummins himself not playing the initial Test, the team’s performance has been excellent. Meanwhile, Steven Smith could not participate in training on Monday due to illness, but was seen practicing in the nets for the first time on Tuesday. Australia’s playing eleven for the third Ashes Test: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey. (Wicketkeeper, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
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