Pat Cummins is set to return for Australia as they edge closer to a potentially decisive third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide next week. The captain’s back problem kept him out of the opening two matches, both of which Australia won, but he will rejoin the squad for the Adelaide contest. Importantly, his inclusion is the sole change to the side that cruised to an eight-wicket victory in Brisbane.
A draw in Adelaide would secure the Ashes for Australia, while a win would seal the five-Test series. England, on the other hand, face a challenging task to overturn a 2-0 deficit, a position no side has ever recovered from to claim the Ashes.
The third Test kicks off on 17 December (23:30 GMT, 16 December).
Cummins hasn’t played since July, though he has been training with the squad around the first two Tests. There were hints he might have appeared in the second Test, and he even attended a public selection meeting the day before the game, before Steve Smith remained in temporary charge.
"He looks like he’s moving really well," said Australia’s wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who noted Cummins has been energizing the group throughout his absence.
The rest of Australia’s squad remains as expected. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the remainder of the series due to hamstring and Achilles issues. Jhye Richardson will also train in Adelaide as he continues his comeback from a shoulder injury, with the possibility of featuring later in the series.
Nathan Lyon, the off-spinner who missed Brisbane, is anticipated to return in Adelaide. If Lyon is included alongside Cummins, it could force Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser out of the playing XI.
Australia face another selection puzzle with Usman Khawaja. The left-hander was unable to open in the first Test because of a back problem, and his absence contributed to Travis Head and Jake Weatherald forging a strong opening partnership. Khawaja might compete with Josh Inglis for a spot in the middle order.
While the Australian squad has been traveling home between Tests, England have enjoyed a break in Noosa, a coastal town famous for its beaches. They will resume training on Sunday.
To reignite their challenge, England must end a 17-Test winless run in Australia when they step onto the Adelaide Oval pitch.
Australia has claimed the previous three Ashes series won in this country, but they surrendered a 2-0 lead in England in 2023 to finish 2-2.
Carey reflected on the resilience and caution required: "The way we’ve started the series has been good. Being 2-0 up in Adelaide is a strong position, but the job isn’t done. We know England are a very capable side, and we were in a similar spot in England last year and didn’t close it out. We’re excited by the opportunity, but we must keep playing solid cricket."
