Adelaide, Dec 16 (UNI) Australia have locked in their playing XI for the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval, with captain Pat Cummins and veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon returning to the side for the crucial pink-ball clash.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, Cummins and Lyon replace all-rounder Michael Neser and pacer Brendan Doggett, who both make way despite solid performances earlier in the series. Australia currently leads the five-Test Ashes series 2-0.
Opener Usman Khawaja remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a back concern, while Josh Inglis retains his place in the XI and is set to bat at No.7.
Cummins acknowledged Khawaja’s disappointment but praised his attitude after missing out despite Australia’s commanding position in the series.
“He’s a real team man. He’ll do whatever the team needs,” Cummins said on Tuesday. “And it’s not only Uzzie, but 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 Adelaide Test marks Cummins’s first appearance in the longest format since Australia’s series against the West Indies earlier this year. The fast bowler confirmed he is fully fit and won’t be restricted in terms of workload.
“Yeah, I am good to go,” Cummins said. “I’ve been bowling at 100 percent for a while now. If I played in Brisbane, I would have probably been in limited overs, but this week, it’s just go and play like any other Test match.”
England announced their XI on Monday, making one change with Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson in the pace attack.
Despite Australia’s series lead, Cummins expects a strong response from the visitors in what is also a key contest in the ICC World Test Championship.
“I don’t think it’s anything different from those first couple of Tests,” Cummins said. “You’ve got a couple of players who can win it at any moment, you’ve just got to have plan A, plan B as you do with most teams.”
“But they’ve got some obviously really strong players, and you just can’t give them a little opening,” he added.
Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
Cummins, Lyon return as Australia confirm Adelaide Ashes XI
