Pat Cummins will be returning to Australia Playing 11 for the third test in the Ashes 2025-26 in Adelaide, starting on December 17.
Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon, who missed the second test, has returned to the line-up with Khawaja being dropped. who missed the second test due to back spasms.
The Australia captain missed the first two tests due to injury, and along with Lyon will be replacing Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett.
Michael Neser was impressive during the Brisbane test picking five wicket haul during the second innings.
Australia had a well settled with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald opening combination in the series and will continue with the same in Adelaide.
Aussies skipper Pat Cummins addressed Usman Khawaja’s exclusion, stating that the management did not feel the need to change a batting order that worked wonders in the second test in Brisbane.
Australia made a massive score in 511 runs in the first innings of the day/night test before chasing down the 65 required in the final innings with eight wickets remaining.
“I think the big thing that’s shifted on us is probably Trav opening after that first Test and how good that has looked with the Weathers, so we’re pretty happy with that batting line-up.”
“It didn’t feel like it needed to change in the middle order. So far, it’s looked like they (Head and Weatherald) have been able to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Whatever has been thrown at them, they’ve had an answer to. It’s really set up the platform for our innings,” said Pat Cummins.
However, Pat Cummins confirmed that Khawaja remains in the Australia’s red-ball cricket.
“One of Uzzie’s great strengths he’s scored runs at the top, he’s scored runs in the middle. If we didn’t think he’d be good enough to come straight in, then he wouldn’t be here in the squad. So, absolutely, I can see a path back at some point, if needed.”
Usman Khawaja scored only two in his only innings he played in the ongoing series, continuing his struggles since last year. The veteran left-hander has averaged only a tick over 30 in 17 tests over that period.
The third test will be played between December 17 and 21 at Adelaide OvalNorth Adelaide.
Australia playing 11 for 3rd Ashes Test: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
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