Ashes 2025-26, 3rd Test: Pat Cummins returns to strengthen the bowling attack for Adelaide XI
Australia have made two changes to their bowling unit for the crucial third Test at the Adelaide Oval, with the additions of captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon signaling a return to a more traditional structure using a specialist spinner. These inclusions come at the expense of two fast bowlers who performed strongly in the previous Test: all-rounder Michael Neserwho took a five-wicket haul, and pacer Brendan Doggett. Cummins, who missed the first two Tests due to a back injury, confirmed he is now fully fit and ready to lead the attack without any restrictions, a major boost for the team.
Cummins spoke about his return and fitness levels, saying:
“If I had been playing in Brisbane I probably would have played limited overs, but this week it’s just been playing like any other Test match.”
The captain also acknowledged the difficult decisions regarding the missed players and praised the team spirit within the squad:
“And it’s not just Uzzie, you’ve got Beau Webster, who’s missed these three Tests. Neser comes from a five-fa and Doggy (Doggett) played in the first two Tests and is doing really well. So there’s a disappointed group of players. But they’ve all been fantastic across the group. We need a team to win an Ashes series and they’ve all been brilliant.”
Lyon’s inclusion is crucial to the Adelaide pitch, which is expected to add spin as the match progresses, adding an important tactical dimension to the Australian attack. Mitchell Starc And Scott Boland.
READ also: Grace Hayden predicts Ashes will see a goal after Australia’s 2-0 lead over England
Usman Khawaja failed to open continuity as a selector
The most talked about selection call was the decision to omit veteran opener Usman Khawajadespite the 85-Test veteran recovering from the back spasms that kept him out of the second Test. Selectors opted to stick with the new, successful opening pair Travis Head And Jake Weatheraldwho had formed a strong partnership after Khawaja’s injury in the first Test. Khawaja, who turns 39 this month and has had poor form recently, will have to wait for a way back into the team.
Captain Pat Cummins offered Khawaja hope for the future, emphasizing that the veteran’s international career is not over:
“Yes, potentially… I think the selectors have been quite adamant, we pick a team every week which doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be exactly the same team as the week before… One of the strengths of Uzzie (Khawaja) is that he has scored points at the top, he has scored points in the middle… If we didn’t think he would be good enough to come in straight away then he wouldn’t be here in the squad. So absolutely, I can see a way back to at some point if that’s necessary is.”
The rest of the batting order remains unchanged from the previous Test, with Josh Inglis he retained his place at number seven, highlighting the selectors’ confidence in the stability of the current top seven. This decision to prioritize continuity in a winning batting line-up, even at the expense of a fit and experienced veteran, underlines Australia’s ruthless approach to clinching the Ashes series.
Australia XI for the Adelaide Test:
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
READ also: Ashes 2025-26: England unveil 11th player for Adelaide Test without specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir
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