ADELAIDE: Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a 15-member squad for the third Ashes Test against England, set to take place at the Adelaide Oval from December 17 to 21. The major highlight is the return of captain Pat Cummins, who has been sidelined since July due to a lumbar bone stress injury.
Cummins last featured during Australia’s away Test series against the West Indies, missing the opening two Ashes matches in Perth and Brisbane. His comeback strengthens Australia’s position as they currently hold a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Khawaja Retains Place After Injury
Left-handed opener Usman Khawaja has also retained his spot in the squad. He missed the Brisbane Test due to back spasms but has been declared fit for the Adelaide fixture.
The squad remains largely unchanged, expanding from 14 to 15 players with Cummins included back into the fold.
Australia Confident in Cummins’ Match Readiness
Head coach Andrew McDonald assured that the captain is fully prepared despite not playing competitive cricket since July.
“His body’s ready to go… I’d be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on,” McDonald said.
He added that Cummins underwent intense simulation work at Allan Border Field to replicate match conditions:
“He bowled multiple spells and we feel he’ll be as best prepared as he can be.”
Australia’s Squad for the Third Ashes Test
- Pat Cummins (c)
- 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
Australia will look to seal the Ashes with another dominant performance, while England face a must-win situation to stay alive in the series.
