Australia has confirmed its lineup for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, with a significant change at the top of the order headlining the selection. Veteran batsman Usman Khawaja has been left out of the starting eleven, a decision that casts doubt on the 39-year-old’s international future.
The move solidifies the new opening partnership of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, a combination that proved highly effective during Australia’s eight-wicket victory in Perth. Head, who stepped in for the injured Khawaja in the second innings of that match, scored a blistering 123 runs from just 83 deliveries, decisively shifting the selectors’ plans.
Captain Pat Cummins, returning to lead the side after recovering from a back injury, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but pointed to the momentum generated by the new pairing. “The platform set by Head and Weatherald has been outstanding,” Cummins stated. “It’s allowed our middle order to build from a position of strength. While it’s a tough call on ‘Uzzie,’ we believe this is the best configuration for the team right now.”
Khawaja remains with the squad, and Cummins left the door slightly open for a potential recall, stating the experienced left-hander would not be present if the team did not believe he could contribute later in the series.
The other major inclusion is off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who returns to the side on his former home ground. Fast bowlers Brendon Doggett and Michael Neser make way, despite Neser’s five-wicket haul in the first Test at Brisbane.
Cummins’ own return is ahead of schedule, following an intensive rehabilitation program for a lower-back stress injury initially detected in July. The pace spearhead admitted the prospect of missing the Ashes series accelerated his recovery timeline. “We followed an aggressive plan to be ready,” he explained. “Missing it was not an option I wanted to consider, and thankfully the rehab has progressed without any setbacks.”
Australia will take the field in Adelaide aiming to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. The confirmed team is: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.