Australia have officially recalled Pat Cummins for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, completing the return that head coach Andrew McDonald had hinted at yesterday. The captain, who has not played since July due to a back injury, is the only change in a 15-man squad that now looks primed to push for a series-clinching 3-0 lead.
His inclusion ends Steve Smith’s short but impressive stint as stand-in skipper, during which Australia stormed ahead in Perth and Brisbane. Previously, Australia had a 14-man squad for the first two Tests.
Pat Cummins returns as selection puzzle grows
McDonald said the fast bowler is “as best prepared as can be,” confirming that Cummins has passed the final fitness markers needed to take the field on December 17 at the Adelaide Oval. His comeback is a major boost after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out for the entire series with an Achilles issue. Hazlewood’s withdrawal leaves one vacancy in the pace unit, but the bigger conversation may be around who makes way now that both Cummins and Nathan Lyon are back in contention.
Lyon is expected to return after being omitted for the all-seam plan in Brisbane. That leaves Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser battling for a spot. Neser’s five-wicket haul at the Gabba would make it tough for the management to bench him, but Australia have rarely deviated from their first-choice attack when fully fit.
Usman Khawaja also remains part of the squad despite missing the second Test with a back problem. The selectors have not ruled out shifting him to the middle order, especially given that the temporary opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald impressed in the Ashes so far. The third Ashes, at the Adelaide Oval, starts on December 17. After Adelaide, the Ashes will move to the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne before concluding in Sydney from January 4.
Australia squad for 3rd Ashes Test
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Hardik Pandya's batting masterclass hides India's batting woes in Cuttack
Top Stories
