Pat Cummins Returns As Australia Leave Out 38-Year-Old Star For 3rd Ashes Test vs England

Pat Cummins is set to make his return as captain for Australia in the third Ashes Test against England, which begins Wednesday in Adelaide. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Usman Khawaja, the experienced 38-year-old opener, has been omitted from the squad despite recovering from injury. Nathan Lyon has also been named in the side.

Khawaja, who will turn 39 later this month, suffered back spasms during the first Test victory over England in Perth, preventing him from opening the batting. He was subsequently sidelined for the second Test in Brisbane due to the injury. While he has since regained fitness, selectors have decided to maintain the opening partnership of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald. This decision casts significant doubt on the future of Khawaja, who has played 85 Test matches, at the international level.

When questioned about Khawaja's potential return to the team, Cummins suggested it was possible. He stated that the selectors are focused on choosing a team each week and that the lineup may not always be identical. Cummins highlighted Lyon's return this week after missing the previous match as an example of this approach.

Cummins acknowledged Khawaja's versatility, noting his ability to score runs both at the top of the order and in the middle order. He added that Khawaja wouldn't be in the squad if selectors didn't believe he could contribute immediately. Cummins affirmed that he could foresee a pathway back for Khawaja if needed.

As anticipated, Cummins is back in the team after recovering from a back injury that kept him out of the first two Tests. He will spearhead the bowling attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Lyon also returns to the team after being left out for the Gabba Test, where Australia opted for an all-pace bowling attack. Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser will make way for Cummins and Lyon.

Cummins expressed his excitement about returning to the field, stating that he is fully fit and ready to play without any restrictions. He said that while he would have been on limited overs if he had played in Brisbane, he is now prepared to play like any other Test match.

He praised the series so far, saying that it has lived up to the hype and has been captivating. He added that he has enjoyed watching the matches and is eager to get back on the field. Cummins acknowledged the team's strong performance and Steve Smith's leadership, stating that he is joining a settled and happy side and that things couldn't have gone better from Australia's perspective.

**Australia XI:** Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland