Usman Khawaja Misses Out as Cummins and Lyon Return for Adelaide Test

Australia has announced its Playing XI for the Adelaide Test, bringing Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon back into the squad. Interestingly, Usman Khawaja has been left out of the squad, signaling continued trust in Travis Head to open the innings.

The return of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon to the squad was expected; however, the exclusion of Usman Khawaja came as a surprise to many fans. Josh Inglis also retained his place in the middle order, indicating that Australia will approach the third test against England with an attacking intent.

Speaking about the selection, Pat Cummins said that Travis Head performed well in the previous matches, so there was no reason to replace him in the Adelaide test. He expressed confidence in the duo of Head and Weathers, saying that they have complemented each other well in the last two matches.

"I think the big thing that's shifted on us is probably Trav opening after that first Test and how good that has looked with the Weathers, so we're pretty happy with that batting line-up. It didn't feel like it needed to change in the middle order.” said Australian test captain, Pat Cummins.

"So far it's looked like they [Head and Weatherald] have been able to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Whatever has been thrown at them, they've had an answer to. It's really set up the platform for our innings.” added Pat Cummins.

He then talked about the middle order of Australia, saying that Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have provided stability to the team. He said both batters can rotate the scoreboard smartly, as they understand every situation of the match.

"I think you've seen people like Marnus [Labuschagne] and Steve [Smith] walk in after that as well and really get on the back of that and start their innings well. I don't know if it's scrambled the opposition, but it's certainly kind of got that momentum, kept that scoreboard ticking over and started our innings brilliantly." said Pat Cummins.

When asked about the exclusion of Usman Khawaja, Cummins said that the opportunity for the prolific opener to make a comeback has not ended. He expressed confidence in Khawaja, saying that he could soon get a chance in the Playing XI if needed in the batting order.

"Yeah, potentially. I think the selectors have been quite adamant [that] we're picking a side each week, it doesn't necessarily mean it's got to be exactly the same team as the previous week. We do that with the bowlers this week.” said Pat Cummins.

"Obviously, Nathan Lyon's coming back in. One of Uzzie's great strengths he's scored 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." added Pat Cummins.

Applauding the Incredible Bench Strength of Australian Team

Cummins then praised the bench strength of the Australian team, saying that the backup bowlers performed tremendously well during his absence. He added that Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett could again come back into the squad, as the management will keep an eye on them for the last two test matches.

"Incredible, I think it shows just great depth in the Aussie cricket system at the moment with fast bowlers. When I said it's almost worked out perfectly...we're halfway through a series, I've come back on line, you've got Ness and Doggy who are resting from this week, but they've obviously got themselves into the series and are available for the last two games.” said Pat Cummins.

"You've seen Jhye Richardson out the back bowling. So it feels like everything's come together and we're not just hanging on to the end of a series like sometimes you are. We're actually peaking and hopefully there are heaps of resources available.” added Pat Cummins.

The regular Australian captain then applauded the leadership skills of Steve Smith, saying that he managed the team pretty well during his absence in the first two matches.

"But the guys who have stepped in have been fantastic and I think it's a huge credit to those guys who have stepped in but also the coaches and Steve managing those guys throughout the day." concluded Pat Cummins.

Australia XI for Adelaide Ashes Test

1 Jake Weatherald, 2 Travis Head, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Cameron Green, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Josh Inglis, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Scott Boland