Australia skipper Pat Cummins is set to make his return for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide after being selected in a 15-man squad announced on Wednesday. Cummins, who has been recovering from a lower-back injury since the West Indies tour in July, is the lone addition to the squad that secured an eight-wicket win in Brisbane, giving Australia a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Head coach Andrew McDonald said the management is confident about Cummins' readiness. “We feel as though he’ll be as best prepared as can be,” McDonald stated.
Usman Khawaja, under scrutiny after missing the second Test due to a back issue, has retained his place and could feature in Adelaide, beginning December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.
Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon is also expected to return to the playing XI after being left out in Brisbane, where Australia went with a full pace attack for the day-night Test.
Following the Adelaide Test, the series will head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day clash before the fifth and final Test begins on January 4 in Sydney.
Australia squad for 3rd Ashes Test:
Pat Cummins (capt), 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.
