Cummins, Lyon return for third Ashes Test Doggett and Neser dropped

Australia have recalled captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon to their XI for the third Ashes Test against England. However, experienced opener Usman Khawaja has not been included in the side for this match.

After missing the Perth and Brisbane Tests due to a back injury, Cummins has fully recovered and returns for the Adelaide Test. Nathan Lyon, who was dropped for the second Test that Australia won by eight wickets at the Gabba, has also regained his place. Their return means pace bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser have been left out. Cummins and Lyon will be joined in the bowling attack by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

Khawaja missed the Brisbane Test, but although he remained with the squad and was fit for selection, the selectors decided to stick with the opening partnership of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald.

Speaking to reporters at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, Cummins said, “The biggest change for us has been Travis opening after the first Test and how well that has worked with Weathers (Weatherald). We felt the batting lineup didn’t need any changes.”

Khawaja, who turns 39 on Thursday, has played 85 Tests and averages 43.56. However, he has not scored a half-century since his 232-run innings against Sri Lanka in Galle in January last year. Despite being left out, Cummins said Khawaja has not been ruled out completely.

“One of Usman’s great strengths is that he has scored runs both at the top of the order and in the middle order. If we didn’t think he could come straight back in, he wouldn’t be here with the squad. I can absolutely see a path back for him if needed,” the Australian captain said.
Cummins also confirmed that Josh Inglis will continue to bat at number seven in the Adelaide Test, after moving into the middle order when Travis Head was promoted to opener in Brisbane.

Australia lead the five-match series 2–0 and need only a draw in Adelaide to retain the Ashes. Cummins said lessons had been learned from the 2023 Ashes in England, when Australia let a 2–0 lead slip and the series ended in a 2–2 draw.
“We let a few opportunities go at Headingley and The Oval,” he said. “At this stage, you just can’t afford to let those go.”

Australia XI:

Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland