Australia have named their XI for the third Ashes Test against England at Adelaide Oval with some high-profile changes, most notably the return of captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon while experienced opener Usman Khawaja has been left out of the team. The selection news comes ahead of the match that begins on Wednesday, with Australia leading the five-Test series 2-0 and poised to retain the Ashes with a win or draw.
Cummins, who missed the first two Tests because of a back injury, is fit again and resumes leadership of the Australian attack alongside fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Lyon also returns to the side after missing out in the second Test at Brisbane, reintroducing spin to the bowling lineup at the expense of pace bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser. The rest of Australia’s batting order remains largely unchanged, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald continuing as the opening pair that impressed in Khawaja’s absence.
The omission of Khawaja, who turns 39 this month and has represented Australia in more than 80 Tests, has generated significant discussion. Khawaja had missed the second Test due to back spasms sustained earlier in the series but recovered in time for selection. Despite being fully fit, selectors opted to keep Travis Head and Weatherald at the top of the order, with Josh Inglis retained at number seven. The decision leaves Khawaja’s international future in doubt, especially given a lean run of form and the emergence of younger batting options in the Test side.
Captaining from the front, Cummins has stressed that Khawaja’s career may not be over and hinted there could be a path back into the team later in the series if circumstances change. The skipper emphasised the depth of Australia’s squad and the selectors’ approach to picking what they believe to be the best side each week. That inclusive philosophy, Cummins suggested, means changes are possible depending on conditions and performance.
England’s team selection for the Adelaide Test was confirmed earlier, with minimal changes as they seek to respond to their 2-0 deficit in the series. England captain Ben Stokes has urged his side to “show a bit of dog” as they aim to mount a comeback and avoid a series whitewash.
The Adelaide Test presents a pivotal moment in the Ashes. Australia can secure the urn with another strong performance on home soil, while England must win to keep their hopes alive. Cummins and Lyon’s return bolsters Australia’s prospects, particularly with conditions expected to assist both pace and spin at Adelaide Oval. The decision to leave Khawaja out underscores the high-stakes nature of selection in an Ashes series, where form, fitness and team balance are constantly weighed.
Overall, the strongest XI named by Australia reflects a blend of experience and tactical adjustment as they push to clinch the Ashes, even as the potential swan song of a seasoned campaigner like Khawaja hangs in the balance.
