In a major turn of events, Australia has declared the players who will be part of the third Test match during the Ashes series, which is taking place in their homeland. The team of the hosts has got a great advantage as their captain, Pat Cummins, has finally returned to the squad. The star fast bowler is going to be the captain of Australia in Adelaide and is taking the place of Steve Smith who had already won two Tests for the home team in the Ashes 2025-26.
Cummins makes a comeback as captain of Australia for the 3rd Test of Ashes
On Wednesday, Australia revealed their squad for the upcoming match against England at the Adelaide Oval. The Australian captain was changed as Pat Cummins took the place of Steve Smith, while veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who has a recurring back problem, was able to keep his position in the team.
It is important to note that the third Test of the Ashes at the Adelaide Oval will be the first cricketing appearance for Pat Cummins since the Jamaica Test against the West Indies in July. Meanwhile, cricket.com.au has reported that besides the experienced player, Nathan Lyon is also expected to be part of the Australian squad for the Adelaide match.
As the report points out, the hosts in such a scenario will probably select only one out of Scott Boland, Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett for the third Test. Although it is more or less certain that Doggett will be left out, Neser’s impressive performance at the Gabba gives him a chance for another Test alongside the reliable Scott Boland.
Khawaja might fill middle order
In contrast, after the publication of Australia head coach Andrew McDonald’s statement, he seems to suggest that, if he is fit, Usman Khawaja might take a middle-order position, while the duo of Travis Head and Jake Weatherland would be the team’s strong opening pair.
“‘Uz’ (Khawaja) should be fit and available, and then we will work out our batting order based on the surface and work out our bowling selections based on the surface and the opponents that we think that they may present to us. The assumption is that (Khawaja) can only open as well. He does have flexibility. We like to think that all our batters have the flexibility to be able to perform anywhere in that order,” McDonald was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.
Australia squad for 3rd Test of The Ashes 2025-26
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
