Adelaide, December 10 (Udaipur Kiran) – Australian captain Pat Cummins has been included in the Australian squad for the third Ashes Test starting December 17 at Adelaide Oval. Cricket Australia announced a 15-member team with Cummins’ return being the only change.
Pat Cummins missed the first two Ashes Tests due to a lumbar back stress injury. His last competitive match was the third Test against the West Indies in Sabina Park in July.
Cummins was close to selection for the Gabba Test last week as his recovery progressed faster than expected. However, the team management decided to have him bowl several spells in match simulations to ensure full fitness.
Head coach Andrew McDonald said, “He was ahead of our expectations and there was serious discussion about selecting him for the Brisbane Test. We now believe he will be fully ready for the challenge at Adelaide. The simulations in the nets have sharpened his skills and his body is fit to play. Unless something unexpected happens in the next week, I expect to see Pat captain the side, toss the coin, and wear the blazer.”
Batsman Usman Khawaja has also retained his place in the team. Khawaja failed to make an impact in the Perth Test and missed the Gabba Test due to a back injury. McDonald confirmed Khawaja showed good form in the nets at Brisbane and is expected to be fully fit by next week.
“Uzi (Khawaja) should be fit and available. Generally, he plays as an opening batsman but has the flexibility to bat in different positions. We believe all our batsmen are capable of playing anywhere in the order,” McDonald added.
Nathan Lyon is likely to return for the Adelaide Test, which could complicate selection decisions. This might mean two players among Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Brendan Doggett could miss out in the playing eleven. Khawaja’s availability may also influence the batting order.
McDonald further said, “The gap between the Perth and Brisbane Tests, and now between Brisbane and Adelaide, is manageable. We plan to field the most balanced and available bowling attack at Adelaide. There is currently no plan to rest any player; such decisions may come for the fourth and fifth Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.”
Australia leads the Ashes series 2-0 after winning the first two Tests. Three Tests remain, and the team will aim to maintain their lead at Adelaide Oval next week.
The Australian squad for the third Test:
Pat Cummins (Captain), 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.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
