Australia Recall Pat Cummins as Ashes Momentum Builds Ahead of Adelaide Test
Australia’s push to secure the Ashes urn at the earliest opportunity received a major boost on Monday, with captain Pat Cummins cleared to return for the third NRMA Insurance Test in Adelaide. The fast bowler’s comeback restores leadership stability and adds a layer of tactical certainty as Australia look to convert their 2–0 series lead into an unassailable advantage.
Cummins Returns; Stability Restored at a Crucial Juncture
Cummins’ reinstatement is the only change to the squad that clinched victory at the Gabba on Sunday night. His selection also signals confidence in his recovery, after the injury concern that sidelined him earlier in the series. With Cummins back at the helm, Australia regain their preferred attack leader — a factor that historically shapes their rhythm and field-setting precision across long spells.
The squad now sits at 15 players, with Usman Khawaja also retained as he continues to push for a return following a back injury. The selectors have kept their options open, acknowledging both form and fitness variables ahead of a day–night Test that traditionally favours swing and seam under lights.
Squad for 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.
Selection Puzzle Looms for Fast Bowling Unit
One of the immediate questions for the Australian XI concerns the composition of the bowling attack. Nathan Lyon remains a lock as the frontline spinner, while Mitchell Starc’s record in pink-ball Tests makes him an indispensable choice in Adelaide.
That leaves the selectors weighing the roles of Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, and Michael Neser—the latter having just taken his maiden Test five-wicket haul in a superb second innings display at the Gabba.
Two of those three are now likely to miss out.
While Boland’s control and ability to hit the seam consistently make him a dependable option, Neser’s impressive form combined with his strong pink-ball credentials in domestic cricket cannot be ignored. Doggett, the most inexperienced of the trio at Test level, has offered pace and bounce but may fall just short in a selection race shaped by conditions and recent impact.
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My Analysis :
In Adelaide, the balance typically comes down to which bowler can sustain pressure through the twilight session — a period where Australia have historically seized control. Neser’s ability to swing the new ball and extract movement laterally gives him a compelling argument. Boland, however, offers metronomic accuracy that can suffocate England’s scoring during key passages.
Khawaja’s Return Poses a Constructive Dilemma
Khawaja’s likely availability intensifies another selection debate. His experience at the top of the order, particularly in high-stakes Ashes cricket, makes him an automatic inclusion when fit. But his back injury has forced Australia to reshuffle, giving fringe players more time in the middle.
If Khawaja returns, the selectors must either revert to their first-choice batting blueprint or reward incumbency. Australia’s management has historically valued stability, yet the demands of a pink-ball Test — where early batting exposes vulnerabilities — may tilt the decision strongly in favour of the veteran left-hander.
A Chance to Seal the Ashes Early
With a 2–0 cushion, Australia now stand within striking distance of retaining the urn. But the third Test has traditionally been a tipping point in many modern Ashes campaigns. A win would not only secure the series but also reaffirm Australia’s depth — particularly in the pace department — during a stretch marked by injuries and forced rotations.
Cummins’ return, combined with Khawaja’s anticipated recovery, gives Australia a more settled core heading into Adelaide. However, the selectors still face tough decisions as they balance form, fitness, workload, and conditions in pursuit of a decisive victory.
The return of Pat Cummins has reshaped Australia’s approach to the third Test, restoring leadership and clarity just as the Ashes stakes rise. With key selection questions still unresolved — particularly around the fast-bowling combination and Khawaja’s reintegration — Adelaide promises to be a pivotal contest not just for results, but for defining the structure of Australia’s campaign moving forward.