Cummins and Lyon Make Comeback as Khawaja Misses Out on Third Ashes Test

In a significant shift for the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide, Australia's captain Pat Cummins and renowned spinner Nathan Lyon are set to rejoin the playing XI. Meanwhile, opener Usman Khawaja finds himself absent from the squad, signaling a crucial point in his test career. After recovering from a back injury, Cummins is back following his absence in the first two tests hosted in Perth and Brisbane, while Lyon returns after being omitted for the second match, which Australia clinched by eight wickets.

The returning duo replaces pace bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, integrating with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland to bolster Australia's bowling resources. Usman Khawaja, who missed the Brisbane test due to back spasms, will not reclaim his place as selectors opt for the successful opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald from the last match.

Addressing Khawaja's exclusion, Cummins highlighted that although he missed selection, Khawaja, who is celebrating his 39th birthday on Thursday and boasts 85 test matches with an impressive average of 43.56, remains on the selectors' radar due to his extensive experience and dual-order capability.

Josh Inglish will continue at the number seven slot after successfully filling in the middle order role during the Brisbane match. Holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series, Australia only requires a draw in Adelaide to clinch the Ashes cup. Reflecting on the previous Ashes series in 2023, where Australia led 2-0 but ultimately finished 2-2 against England, Cummins acknowledged valuable lessons remembered.

The confirmed Australian XI for Adelaide now includes Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland.