Veteran batter Usman Khawaja has been left out of Australia’s playing XI for the third Ashes Test against England, with Travis Head set to continue at the top of the order alongside Jake Weatherald.

Just two days short of his 39th birthday, Khawaja was the most notable omission when Australia named its team on Tuesday for the pink-ball Test starting Wednesday at the Adelaide Oval. Australia currently leads the five-match series 2-0 and needs only a win or a draw to retain the Ashes.

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Khawaja, who missed the Brisbane Test due to back spasms, has enjoyed a remarkable late-career resurgence since returning to the Test side in early 2022. He averaged 58.7 across his first two years back in the team but has crossed the 50-run mark only twice in his last 27 Test innings.

Australia has made two changes to its bowling attack, with captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon returning in place of Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser. The top seven batters remain unchanged, meaning Josh Inglis retains his spot at No. 7.

Cummins insisted that the decision does not signal the end of Khawaja’s Test career. “The selectors have been quite adamant about picking a side each week,” Cummins said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be the same team as the previous Test. We do that with bowlers as well.

“One of Uzzy’s great strengths is that he’s scored runs at the top and in the middle. So absolutely, I can see a path back if needed.”

Steve Smith was the first batter to take part in net sessions on Tuesday after missing Monday’s practice due to an unspecified illness. Smith captained Australia in the first two Tests while Cummins was sidelined with injury.

Returning to Test cricket for the first time since mid-July in the West Indies, Cummins believes Australia is hitting peak form as the series progresses.

“It feels like everything has come together,” he said. “We’re not just hanging on until the end of the series. We’re actually peaking and hopefully have plenty of resources available.”

(By PTI Inputs)