Cummins Returns as Australia Lock Squad for Crucial Third Ashes Test

Australia tightened its grip on the Ashes storyline on Wednesday, quietly naming a 15-man squad that feels familiar yet carries one significant shift. Pat Cummins, absent from international duty since midyear, is finally in a position to reclaim the captain’s blazer. 

Cummins has been edging toward full fitness for weeks, but the selectors resisted any early push. His back trouble created more questions than answers during spring, and fans wondered if the recovery might stretch on. And with the 3rd Test in Adelaide fast approaching on December 17, the timing lands perfectly for a side already riding momentum.

Cummins Nears the Tossing Duties Again

Coach Andrew McDonald stopped just short of declaring the skipper a lock, though his tone offered little doubt. He admitted Cummins was closer than they expected in Brisbane and came through simulated sessions strongly. “His body’s ready to go,” McDonald said, sounding like a man who had finally been given the green light. “Barring anything else happening, I’d be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin.”

That remark alone settled most speculation. Few expected such a confident update, and it immediately shaped the Adelaide narrative. For a team already holding a firm 2–0 lead, the return of their leader feels like fresh wind, not just continuity.

The rest of the squad, unsurprisingly, remains mostly unchanged. Usman Khawaja stays in the group as he continues to manage his own recovery, hoping to reclaim his spot in the XI. Khawaja’s absence has lingered longer than anyone planned. To be fair, returning from injury in the middle of an Ashes series is never simple. But his experience remains valuable, something the selectors were never going to overlook.

Selectors Keep Faith as Fringe Players Push

Nathan Lyon and Beau Webster also make their way back into the squad after missing the second Test at the Gabba. Australia didn’t feel the need to shuffle roles after their eight-wicket victory, yet both players have been pushing in training, reminding coaches that competition for places is alive and well. Lyon’s presence alone adds a certain steadiness. You could see the comfort on teammates’ faces when he rejoined the group.

McDonald praised the depth at hand, noting that Australia reached Brisbane with several players, almost forcing their way in. He even admitted Cummins was close to playing there. That one comment flipped the mood around selection debates, suggesting the skipper had been knocking on the door much sooner than the public realised.

The conversation doesn’t end with Cummins. Jhye Richardson is expected to join the squad in Adelaide as he pushes through his comeback. He has put together two strong outings, one for a Cricket Australia XI and another for Australia A. The numbers don’t capture everything, but those who watched him felt his rhythm returning. The excitement around him is real, and a sharp, confident Richardson can change the selection picture quickly.

If his progress continues, selectors could be tempted to involve him later in the series. Nothing is locked in, but the thought alone suggests the fast-bowling stocks might grow even stronger.

Calm Confidence as the Series Moves South

Australia’s consistent choices reveal their mindset as they know what works. Instead, they’re embracing stability, trusting the squad that already delivered two convincing wins.

The first Test in Perth showed their dominance. The Gabba did the same, even with a selection reshuffle. When the scoreboard flashed another eight-wicket margin, the crowd roared with that familiar sense that Australia were in complete control.

Yet Adelaide presents a different stage. The day-night conditions can flip games quickly, and England will view this as their window to revive the contest. Australia understands that their squad announcement reflects discipline more than celebration.

Australia 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.

A long summer sits ahead, but having Cummins back in the middle settles the picture. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, just a needed change. In Adelaide, with the lights up and the Ashes pressure returning, Australia finally looks complete again.

• Third Test (Adelaide Oval, December 17-21)
• Fourth Test (MCG, December 26-30)
• Fifth Test (SCG, January 4-8)