Australia Squad for 3rd Ashes Test: Australia has announced its squad for the third Test, with captain Pat Cummins returning after recovering from injury. Cummins missed the first two Tests in Perth and Brisbane due to a back injury. The third Test is scheduled to be played in Adelaide from December 17th, where Cummins will lead the Australian team. Apart from the return of captain Pat Cummins, there are no other changes to the Australian squad for the third Test.
In Pat Cummins' absence, Steve Smith captained Australia in the first two Tests. However, with Cummins' return, Smith will now be part of the team solely as a batsman. Regarding Cummins' return, Australian team coach Andrew McDonald said he was eager to see the team captain back in action.
"We feel as though he (Cummins) will be as best prepared as can be," McDonald said.
"He was well ahead of where we thought he'd be at and it did create a real live conversation for (Cummins playing in) Brisbane.
"It was debated a lot leading into that Test match. With that in mind, us seeing him further advanced, we feel he'll be really well placed for the challenges of Adelaide albeit (it's still) a long way off.
"We feel as though the simulation in the nets has got him skill ready. His body's ready to go. Barring anything else happening in the next week, I'd be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on."
Cummins hasn't played cricket since July. His last match was against the West Indies in Jamaica, where the 32-year-old fast bowler first experienced back problems. His inclusion in the playing eleven will require Australia to make some important decisions.
After returning from injury, Pat Cummins' challenge will be to maintain the winning momentum. Under Cummins' captaincy, Australia will play their 10th Test against England in Adelaide. Of the previous nine Tests played there, Australia has won five, lost two, and drawn two.
Australia Squad for 3rd Test: 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.
Ashes 2025-26 Series Schedule
First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
