Captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon are set to return to Australia’s playing XI for the third Ashes 2025-26 Test in Adelaide, beginning December 17. Cummins had missed the first two Tests due to injury, while Lyon was left out of the second Test in Adelaide.
The pair will replace the impressive Michael Neser, who claimed a five-wicket haul in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, and pacer Brendan Doggett. In a surprising move, Australia has also left out experienced opener Usman Khawaja, who missed the second Test due to back spasms sustained in the series opener in Perth.
Australia will continue with the successful opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald in Adelaide. In Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith led the team effectively, helping Australia secure a 2-0 series lead with three matches remaining. A victory or even a draw in the Adelaide Test will guarantee that the hosts keep the Ashes urn.
Australia’s playing XI for the 3rd Ashes Test
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
“Middle Order Didn’t Seem To Need A Change”- Pat Cummins
Australia captain Pat Cummins explained Usman Khawaja’s omission, saying the team management saw no reason to alter a batting lineup that performed exceptionally in the second Test in Brisbane. In that match, the hosts posted a commanding 511 in their first innings of the Day/Night game and comfortably chased down the 65-run target in the final innings, winning with eight wickets in hand.
“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 Cummins (via ESPN Cricinfo).
However, Cummins assured that Khawaja is still part of Australia’s red-ball plans, stating:
“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.”
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