Pat Cummins has been officially added to Australia’s squad for the third Ashes Test starting December 17 in Adelaide. His return comes after nearly five months away from cricket due to a lumbar stress injury suffered in July. The selectors made just one change, bringing Cummins back into a stable 15-man group.
Cummins had been close to playing at the Gabba, but the management decided to give him one extra week. He bowled long simulation spells in Brisbane and impressed the staff enough to regain the captaincy next week. Head coach Andrew McDonald said the team expects him to lead the side in Adelaide unless anything unexpected happens.
Usman Khawaja has also been retained. He missed the Gabba Test due to back soreness but trained well and is likely to return to the top order. Australia now face several big selection calls with Cummins and Nathan Lyon set to rejoin the XI.
Australia’s Squad for the Third 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
Hazlewood Ruled Out of Entire Ashes After Achilles Flare-Up
In a major blow to Australia, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the rest of the series. He suffered a fresh Achilles issue during rehab from a previous hamstring injury, forcing him out until at least February. The team had originally targeted him for the final three Tests, but the setback ended any hopes.
McDonald admitted the staff did not expect this outcome and were “flat” for Hazlewood, who has endured repeated injury interruptions throughout recent seasons. Australia will likely depend heavily on Starc, Cummins, and Green, with Boland, Neser, and Doggett competing for remaining pace spots.
Mark Wood Ruled Out of Ashes; Matthew Fisher Called Up
England suffered an equally damaging setback. Mark Wood, who started the series opener in Perth, has been ruled out of the remaining three Tests with a knee injury. His left knee flared up during the Perth defeat and worsened during recovery, forcing immediate withdrawal. At 35, this setback also raises concerns over his long-term Test future, like they always dominate against teams like india.
England have called up seamer Matthew Fisher, currently touring with the England Lions. The Yorkshire quick has taken only two wickets on this tour but brings swing and accuracy. England now have to reshuffle their entire attack for the pivotal Adelaide Test.
Selection Headaches Ahead of Adelaide: Australia’s Dilemma Deepens
The return of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon creates a selection crunch for Australia. Two of Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Brendan Doggett are expected to miss out. Mitchell Starc, the leading wicket-taker of the series with 18 wickets, remains available despite a minor side niggle.
The condensed Ashes schedule complicates decisions. Australia play three Tests across Melbourne and Sydney soon after Adelaide, meaning rotation could become unavoidable. McDonald noted that rest is more likely in Tests four and five rather than Adelaide.
How Both Teams Stand Before the Adelaide Test
Australia
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Lead the series 2–0
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Regain their captain
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Lose Hazlewood for entire series
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Starc in top form
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Lyon set to return
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Khawaja likely fit
England
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Lose Mark Wood for the entire series
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Fisher drafted in as replacement
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Anderson, Robinson, and Atkinson now key
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Batting remains inconsistent
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Must win in Adelaide to stay alive
Australia enter the Adelaide Test with major squad changes. Pat Cummins returns after a long injury layoff and strengthens the bowling group again. His comeback gives Australia balance and control in key moments. His match-simulation spells impressed everyone last week in Brisbane. Josh Hazlewood misses the rest of the series after an Achilles setback.
His absence affects depth and long-term workload plans. England also suffer a big blow with Mark Wood ruled out. His knee injury denies England a strike bowler they trust. Matthew Fisher joins as cover for the final three Tests. The Ashes now move toward a high-pressure phase for both teams. Australia hold a 2–0 lead and want the urn in Adelaide. England must respond to avoid a one-sided series. Both squads now prepare for a defining week.
Pat Cummins returns as Australia strengthen for Adelaide
Pat Cummins reclaims the captaincy after five months out. His lumbar injury kept him away since the West Indies series. His recovery improved faster than expected this month. His long spells in training gave the staff full confidence. The selectors named a 15-man squad with Cummins as the only change. Australia trust his leadership for tight sessions under lights. His return improves control in early spells and late spells.
His rhythm looked settled during match simulations. His presence sharpens Australia’s plans for the pink-ball Test. Usman Khawaja also remains part of the squad. He trained well after missing the Gabba Test through back pain. The staff now expect him to be match ready next week. Australia may shift roles to adjust their top order if needed. This flexibility helps them avoid early pressure moments.
Cummins improves the pace attack with leadership and skill. His new-ball rhythm helps Australia build steady pressure early. His reverse-swing control also works well in Adelaide nights. His return gives Australia smarter bowling rotations again. This strengthens balance across long sessions.
Hazlewood ruled out as Achilles injury ends his Ashes campaign
Josh Hazlewood misses the entire Ashes after a new setback. His Achilles injury worsened during recovery from a hamstring strain. The staff hoped he would return for the late Tests. The fresh issue ended all those plans this week. His withdrawal forces Australia to rethink rotation across Tests. Hazlewood looked strong earlier this year before repeated issues. His absence affects rhythm in long spells during key phases. Coach Andrew McDonald said the group felt sad for him. His role was expected to be huge in this series. Mitchell Starc now becomes the main strike bowler again. Starc leads the series wicket charts and looks settled. Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Brendan Doggett compete for spots. Nathan Lyon also returns and adds control across sessions. Australia now balance roles for three heavy Tests ahead.
How Hazlewood’s exit impacts Australia’s selection plans
Hazlewood leaves a big space in the pace group now. His style brings discipline through steady lengths. Without him, rotation becomes harder in long spells. Australia must choose two support pacers for Adelaide. This choice affects later Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.
England lose Mark Wood for the entire Ashes. His left-knee injury worsened during rehab after Perth. He played his first match since knee surgery in that Test. His recovery created hope but did not move as planned. The setback hurts England’s pace depth again this year. Wood’s speed brings breakthrough moments under pressure. Without him, England lose a key strike option.
The support group struggled in Perth and Brisbane. England now depend on Atkinson, Robinson, and Anderson. They need early breakthroughs to stay competitive. Matthew Fisher joins the squad as his replacement. He has experience with the Lions on this tour. His recent form looked mixed across warm-up games. England now prepare for another tough Adelaide Test. Their bowlers must adapt to pink-ball conditions quickly. Their attack needs discipline across key spells.
Fisher brings swing and control into England’s plans. His consistent lengths help in new-ball phases. He offers stability when other bowlers search for rhythm. England may use him in support roles for long spells. His inclusion gives them one more steady seamer.
Selection puzzles build ahead of the Adelaide Test
Both sides face difficult calls before Adelaide starts. Australia must choose between Boland, Neser, and Doggett. They also welcome Lyon for his pink-ball record. England must rebuild their pace attack without Wood. They rely on control and steady rhythm in night phases. The match carries pressure for both sides now. Australia want early dominance to seal the urn. England seek momentum after two straight defeats. Their batting looked inconsistent in both Tests. They need patience against the new ball this week. Their choices may shape the tone of the series. Australia aim for a balanced attack across overs. Their depth helps them manage long spells. The Adelaide surface rewards control and smart movement. Both teams prepare for long tactical battles now.
Conclusion
Adelaide shapes momentum for the remaining matches now. A win here gives Australia the Ashes with ease. England must win to stay alive in the series. Pink-ball conditions push teams to think deeper. This Test may decide long-term patterns too.
Pat Cummins returns as Australia’s attack regains structure. Hazlewood’s injury forces new plans for tough spells. England lose Mark Wood and face selection pressure again. Fisher joins their squad for long support spells. Adelaide now becomes a high-stakes Test for both teams. Australia want early control and calm execution again. England need discipline and belief to respond well. Their choices shape the rest of the Ashes journey. This Test now leads the series into a defining week.
