The Ashes 2025-26: Pat Cummins returns to lead as Australia announce squad for Adelaide test against England

Pat Cummins missed the first two games of Ashes 2025-26.

Australia’s inspirational skipper Pat Cummins is set to make his return to cricket. The 32-year-old hasn’t played for Australia since their test series in West Indies earlier this year. Cummins’ return will be a huge boost for the home team who have taken 2-0 lead in the five-match Ashes 2025-26 series against England. Veteran batter Steve Smith had led the side in the first two games in Perth and Brisbane.

Pat Cummins’ return to the side will be a huge advantage considering Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the series. The 32-year-old will be taking over the captaincy reins for the third test match which is set to begin on 17th December at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.

Steve Smith and his Australian side crushed England in the first test at Perth in just two days, winning by eight wickets. The second match in Brisbane, which was played with Pink ball, saw Australia eke out yet another dominating performance to win the game by eight wickets. Third test in Adelaide is also likely to see the return of Nathan Lyon in the XI, having missed out the previous game.

Usman Khawaja passes fitness test ahead of next game

Veteran opening batter Usman Khawaja who was battling back injury has also been passed fit ahead of the upcoming Adelaide test. Australian coach Andrew McDonald has stated that he expects to Cummins to lead the side for the third test match.

Speaking to the media McDonald said:

“His body’s ready to go and barring anything else happening in the next week, I’d be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on”.

34-year-old pacer Josh Hazlewood who last played for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield wont play any part in the ongoing series due to Achilles injury. Speaking about Hazlewood, coach McDonald said:

“Unfortunately, Josh won’t be a part of the Ashes. Really, really flat for him. A couple of setbacks that we didn’t see coming, and we thought he would play a huge part in the series”. Speaking about Hazlewood’s injury, McDonald further added “It’s a totally separate injury. It’s somewhere lower in the calf to Achilles region. His preparation will then shift towards the World Cup, which is an incredibly important campaign for us.”

Australia spoilt for choices ahead of Adelaide test

Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon’s return could mean that Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett could be warming the benches at Adelaide. It will be a cruel blow for Neser in particular who had picked his maiden fifer in test cricket in Brisbane to help his side win the game.

Usman Khawaja’s return could mean that he will reclaim his slot as the opener alongside Jake Weatherland. This would also mean that Travis Head will be returning to the middle order. Brendan Doggett, who had made his debut in Perth is likely to make way for Nathan Lyon at the Adelaide Oval.

Australian squad for Adelaide test

Pat Cummins (Captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

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