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Australia squad for 3rd Ashes Test announced; Pat Cummins replaces Steve Smith as captain

Debashis Sarangi

Pat Cummins replaces Smith as AUS captain [Source: AFP]Pat Cummins replaces Smith as AUS captain [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, Australia have confirmed their squad for the third Test of the ongoing Ashes series on home soil. The hosts have received massive boost, with their regular skipper Pat Cummins finally making his comeback. The ace speedster is set to lead Australia in Adelaide, replacing Steve Smith, who led the home team to two successive Test wins in the Ashes 2025-26. 

Cummins returns as Australia captain for 3rd Ashes Test

On Wednesday, Australia unveiled their squad for the upcoming Test against England at the Adelaide Oval. While Pat Cummins replaced Steve Smith as the Australian captain, veteran opener Usman Khawaja retained his spot despite a recurring back injury. 

It's worth mentioning that the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval will mark the first-ever cricketing appearance for Pat Cummins since the Jamaica Test against West Indies back in July. Meanwhile, cricket.com.au stated that besides the seasoned campaigner, Nathan Lyon is also slated to make his way back to the Australian XI for the Adelaide affair. 

In such a scenario, as the report states, the hosts will likely pick only one between Scott Boland, Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett for the third Test. While Doggett's exclusion seems likely, Neser's five-wicket haul at the Gabba keeps him in contention for another Ashes appearance alongside the workhorse, Scott Boland. 

Khawaja could be slotted in middle order

On the other hand, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted that Usman Khawaja, if fit, might be allotted a middle-order slot, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherland forming a dynamic opening duo. 

"'Uz' (Khawaja) should be fit and available, and then we will work out our batting order based on the surface and work out our bowling selections based on the surface and the opponents that we think that they may present to us. The assumption is that (Khawaja) can only open as well. He does have flexibility. We like to think that all our batters have the flexibility to be able to perform anywhere in that order," McDonald was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au. 

Australia squad for 3rd Test of The Ashes 2025-26

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