Australia‘s playing XI for the third Ashes 2025-26 Test in Adelaide has been confirmed, with two significant returns to the bowling attack as the hosts look to seal the series. Captain Pat Cummins returns after missing the first two Tests with a back injury, and veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon is also recalled after being controversially omitted from the side for the previous match in Brisbane. The most notable exclusion from the squad, however, is the fully fit opener Usman Khawaja, as selectors opted for continuity with the winning opening partnership.
Ashes 2025-26, 3rd Test: Pat Cummins return to strengthen bowling attack for Adelaide XI
Australia has made two changes to its bowling unit for the crucial third Test at the Adelaide Oval, with the inclusion of Captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon signaling a return to a more traditional structure that utilizes a specialist spinner. These inclusions come at the expense of two quick bowlers who performed strongly in the previous Test: all-rounder Michael Neser, who took a five-wicket haul, and pacer Brendan Doggett. Cummins, who missed the first two Tests due to a back injury, confirmed he is now fully fit and ready to lead the attack without any restrictions, a major boost for the team.
Cummins spoke about his return and fitness levels, stating:
“If I played in Brisbane, I would have probably been on limited-overs, but this week it’s just go and play like any other Test match.”
The captain also acknowledged the difficult decisions regarding the players who missed out, praising the team spirit within the squad:
“And it’s not only Uzzie, you’ve got Beau Webster, who’s missed out on these three Tests. Neser is coming off a five-fa and Doggy (Doggett) played in the first two Tests and is doing really well. So there’s a disappointed group of players. But they’ve all been fantastic around the group. We need a squad to win an Ashes series and they’ve all been brilliant.”
The inclusion of Lyon is vital for the Adelaide pitch, which is expected to assist spin as the game progresses, adding a key tactical dimension to the Australian attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.
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Usman Khawaja omitted as selectors back opening continuity
The most debated selection call was the decision to leave out experienced opener Usman Khawaja, despite the 85-Test veteran recovering from the back spasms that kept him out of the second Test. Selectors chose to stick with the new, successful opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, who had formed a strong partnership following Khawaja’s injury in the first Test. Khawaja, who turns 39 this month and has recently faced a lean run of form, will have to wait for a way back into the side.
Captain Pat Cummins offered Khawaja hope for the future, insisting the veteran’s international career is not over:
“Yeah, potentially… I think the selectors have been quite adamant we’re picking a side each week that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s got to be exactly the same team as the previous week… One of Uzzie’s (Khawaja) great strengths is he has scored runs at the top, he scored runs in the middle… If we didn’t think he’d be good enough to come straight in, then he wouldn’t be here in the squad. So absolutely, I can see a path back at some point if needed.”
The rest of the batting order remains unchanged from the previous Test, with Josh Inglis retaining his place at number seven, emphasizing the selectors’ faith in the stability of the current top seven. This decision to prioritize continuity in a winning batting line-up, even at the expense of a fit and experienced veteran, underscores Australia’s ruthless approach to clinching the Ashes series.
Australia XI for the Adelaide Test:
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
