Australia have made a bold call ahead of the third Test in Adelaide, leaving out Usman Khawaja as Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon return to the XI. The decision signals full backing for the aggressive Jake Weatherald–Travis Head opening partnership, while Josh Inglis retains his place in the middle order.
Khawaja, who missed the Brisbane Test due to back spasms, had declared himself fully fit, but selectors opted against reshuffling the batting order. The Weatherald-Head combination impressed in both Perth and Brisbane, providing fast starts and putting early pressure on England’s bowlers, a factor Australia believe has set up their strong batting performances.
Cummins, returning from a back injury to lead the side for the first time in the series, said the balance of the team felt right. He praised the momentum created at the top, noting how it has allowed batters like Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith to settle quickly and build innings with the scoreboard moving.
While Khawaja’s omission raises questions about his future, especially with the left-hander turning 39 during the Adelaide Test, Cummins stressed the door is not closed. With Australia already 2–0 up, the captain highlighted the depth of the squad and the luxury of rotating players as they look to peak in the second half of the series.
Australia will enter Adelaide confident, strengthened by the return of Cummins and Lyon, and aiming to press their advantage with an unchanged, attacking batting approach at the top.
Men’s Ashes 2025-26:
First Test: Australia won by eight wickets
Second Test: Australia won by eight wickets
Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval, 05:30 AM SLST
Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne, 05:00 AM SLST
Fifth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney, 05:00 AM SLST
Australia’s XI for Adelaide Test:
- Jake Weatherald, 2. Travis Head, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Cameron Green, 6. Alex Carey (WK), 7. Josh Inglis, 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Scott Boland
England’s XI for Adelaide Test:
- Zak Crawley, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (C), 7. Jamie Smith (WK), 8. Will Jacks, 9. Brydon Carse, 10. Jofra Archer, 11. Josh Tongue
