Pat Cummins is Back, Khawaja is Out as Australia Ring Bold Changes For Adelaide Test
Pat Cummins returns from injury to lead Australia in the 3rd Ashes Test as Khawaja is dropped.
Australia captain Pat Cummins will return to lead the side in the third Ashes Test against England at Adelaide Oval, starting December 17, 2025, as the hosts aim to clinch the series with a 2-0 lead. Veteran opener Usman Khawaja, aged 38 and turning 39 during the match, has been omitted from the playing XI despite recovering from back spasms that limited his participation in the first Test and ruled him out of the second. Selectors have retained the successful opening partnership of Jake Weatherald and Travis Head, casting doubt on Khawaja's long-term international future after 85 tests.
Cummins, sidelined for the opening two victories in Perth and Brisbane due to a back injury, declared himself fully fit and eager to reclaim the captaincy from stand-in Steve Smith. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon also returns after being dropped for an all-pace attack in Brisbane, replacing fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser. The bowling unit will feature Cummins alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, strengthening Australia's attack on a pitch expected to offer traditional seam and spin assistance in this day Test.
Khawaja's exclusion comes amid a lean run of form, with no half-century since January 2025, prompting selectors to prioritise the aggressive approach that has yielded wins so far. Cummins acknowledged Khawaja's value, noting potential pathways back into the team, possibly in the middle order, but emphasised weekly team selections based on conditions and performance. The unchanged top-order batting lineup includes Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, and Alex Carey.
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With England under pressure to avoid a series defeat, Australia's confirmed XI—Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland—reflects confidence in the formula that has dominated the Ashes thus far. A win or draw in Adelaide would retain the urn for Australia, intensifying the stakes in this historic rivalry.
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