Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon Return as Australia Strengthens Squad for Third Ashes Test
Australia’s cricket team received a timely boost on Tuesday with the return of captain Pat Cummins and experienced spinner Nathan Lyon for the third Ashes Test against England at Adelaide Oval, a pivotal selection ahead of the mid-series clash. The recall comes as Australia holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series and eyes sealing retention of the historic urn on home soil.
Cummins missed the first two Tests due to a back injury but has now recovered fitness and will resume leadership duties as Australia looks to assert pressure on a struggling England side. The 32-year-old fast bowler strengthens a bowling unit that has been effective but somewhat depleted, bringing both tactical nous and a wicket-taking threat capable of swinging major Test matches.
Meanwhile, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon returns to the XI after being omitted earlier in the series when Australia experimented with an all-pace attack, particularly in the second Test at Brisbane. Lyon’s experience in subcontinental-like conditions and ability to extract turn from Adelaide Oval pitches could prove decisive, especially if the surface offers assistance to spinners later in the match. He has expressed his continued passion for representing Australia and insists there’s “nothing to prove,” despite earlier omissions from the squad.
Their return comes at the expense of Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, who are left out as selectors opt for a blend of experience and balance. This decision signals Australia’s intention to tighten its attack and rely on proven match-winners to close out the series.
Perhaps the most talked-about selection, however, is the omission of veteran opener Usman Khawaja. Although fully fit and available, Khawaja, now nearing 39 years of age, has not scored a fifty since January 2025 and has struggled to cement his place in the Test side. Selectors have chosen to stick with the young opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, both of whom have impressed in recent matches. Khawaja’s exclusion raises questions about his future in Test cricket, with many fans and pundits debating whether this signals the twilight of his illustrious career.
England, for their part, will be under pressure to respond after back-to-back defeats in Perth and Brisbane. Captain Ben Stokes has issued a rallying cry to his side to “show some dog” and fight back in Adelaide, underlining the importance of grit and resilience as England try to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
The stage is now set for a crucial Test match, with Australia on the brink of sealing a series victory at home. Adelaide Oval traditionally offers a balance between bat and ball, making conditions unpredictable and tactical ploys vital. Cummins’ leadership and Lyon’s guile with the ball could tip the scales in Australia’s favour, especially with the pressure of an Ashes decider looming.
For England, it will be vital to regroup and find ways to counter Australia’s strengthened lineup or risk sliding deeper into a home summer defeat. Fans, pundits, and players alike will be keenly watching how this clash unfolds as the legendary rivalry continues.
Cummins missed the first two Tests due to a back injury but has now recovered fitness and will resume leadership duties as Australia looks to assert pressure on a struggling England side. The 32-year-old fast bowler strengthens a bowling unit that has been effective but somewhat depleted, bringing both tactical nous and a wicket-taking threat capable of swinging major Test matches.
Meanwhile, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon returns to the XI after being omitted earlier in the series when Australia experimented with an all-pace attack, particularly in the second Test at Brisbane. Lyon’s experience in subcontinental-like conditions and ability to extract turn from Adelaide Oval pitches could prove decisive, especially if the surface offers assistance to spinners later in the match. He has expressed his continued passion for representing Australia and insists there’s “nothing to prove,” despite earlier omissions from the squad.
Their return comes at the expense of Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, who are left out as selectors opt for a blend of experience and balance. This decision signals Australia’s intention to tighten its attack and rely on proven match-winners to close out the series.
Perhaps the most talked-about selection, however, is the omission of veteran opener Usman Khawaja. Although fully fit and available, Khawaja, now nearing 39 years of age, has not scored a fifty since January 2025 and has struggled to cement his place in the Test side. Selectors have chosen to stick with the young opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, both of whom have impressed in recent matches. Khawaja’s exclusion raises questions about his future in Test cricket, with many fans and pundits debating whether this signals the twilight of his illustrious career.
England, for their part, will be under pressure to respond after back-to-back defeats in Perth and Brisbane. Captain Ben Stokes has issued a rallying cry to his side to “show some dog” and fight back in Adelaide, underlining the importance of grit and resilience as England try to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
The stage is now set for a crucial Test match, with Australia on the brink of sealing a series victory at home. Adelaide Oval traditionally offers a balance between bat and ball, making conditions unpredictable and tactical ploys vital. Cummins’ leadership and Lyon’s guile with the ball could tip the scales in Australia’s favour, especially with the pressure of an Ashes decider looming.
For England, it will be vital to regroup and find ways to counter Australia’s strengthened lineup or risk sliding deeper into a home summer defeat. Fans, pundits, and players alike will be keenly watching how this clash unfolds as the legendary rivalry continues.
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