Pat Cummins Returns As Australia Announce Squad for 3rd Ashes Test

The captain Pat Cummins was added to the squad as he recovers from a back injury, with Usman Khawaja also retained.

Captain Pat Cummins has been named in Australia’s squad for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. He is set to return from a back injury that kept him out of the first two matches.

Usman Khawaja also retains his place as he recovers from a back issue. The squad remains at 15 players. Fast bowler Jhye Richardson will train with the group as he continues his own comeback from shoulder surgery.

Cummins has not played since July. He trained strongly during the first two Tests. Selectors considered picking him for the Gabba match but opted for more preparation time.

“We feel as though he’ll be as best prepared as can be. He was well ahead of where we thought he’d be at and it did create a real live conversation for (Cummins playing in) Brisbane,” Australia coach Andrew McDonald told reporters.

Selection Decisions for Adelaide

McDonald confirmed Cummins is ready to play. “We feel as though the simulation in the nets has got him skill ready. His body’s ready to go. Barring anything else happening in the next week, I’d be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on.”

Cummins’ return creates a selection dilemma for the bowling attack. Nathan Lyon is also expected to return after being omitted in Brisbane. Two of Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, and Michael Neser are likely to miss out.

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“The gap between (Tests) one and two and two and three was something we thought we could manage, so it will more than likely be the best balanced and available attack for Adelaide,” McDonald said.

Khawaja’s fitness presents a similar challenge for the batting order. McDonald said the opener is expected to be available. This could disrupt the new opening partnership of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald.

Australia squad (third Test only): 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

McDonald indicated Khawaja could potentially bat in the middle order. “‘Uz’ (Khawaja) should be fit and available, and then we will work out our batting order based on the surface,” he said. “The assumption is that (Khawaja) can only open as well. He does have flexibility.”

Australia confirmed Josh Hazlewood is ruled out for the rest of the series. England’s Mark Wood has also been sent home with a knee injury.