Cummins returns to Australia playing XI for 3rd Ashes Test; Lyon back, Khawaja ignored

Cummins back; No Khawaja in AUS XI [Source: AFP]

Cricket Australia (CA), on Tuesday morning, confirmed Australia's playing XI for the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 against England. The clash, set to take place at the Adelaide Oval, will witness the returns of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, while the hosts have ignored veteran opener Usman Khawaja, despite the latter declaring himself fit for the crucial contest. 

AUS XI for 3rd Ashes Test announced: Cummins, Lyon back

As revealed earlier, Australia's regular skipper Pat Cummins has finally made his Ashes comeback after completing his rehabilitation from a recurring back injury. The talismanic cricketer will lead the team in Adelaide, replacing Steve Smith in the role. 

The inclusion of Cummins meant Michael Neser had to miss out on selection despite scalping a match-winning five-wicket haul in the previous Test in Brisbane. Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon, who was excluded from the Australian XI for the pink ball Test, has made his comeback to the team. He replaces Brendan Doggett, who bagged seven wickets across the first two Test matches. 

However, Usman Khawaja couldn't find a place in the side, with the Australian selectors sticking to the impactful opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald for the third Ashes Test. 

After Khawaja sustained a neck injury, Australia decided to promote Head up the order, pairing the swashbuckling southpaw with Weatherald. The decision proved to be a masterstroke, as the South Australian not only ensured a comfortable run-chase in Perth with a sensational Test hundred, but also provided the team with rollicking starts in Brisbane. 

Despite Khawaja's non-selection, Australia captain Pat Cummins remains hopeful that the left-handed batter can still make his Test comeback at any point in the series. 

"One of Uzzie's great strengths is he scores runs at the top. He's scored runs in the middle. If we didn't think he'd be good enough to come straight in, then he wouldn't be here in the squad. So absolutely I can see a path back at some point if needed," Cummins stated as quoted by Cricket.com.au. 

Australia playing XI for 3rd Test of Ashes 2025-26

Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

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