Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon return as Australia drop Gabba match-winner in 3rd Ashes Test

Australia have announced their playing XI for 3rd Ashes Test a day prior.

While the buzz today would certainly circle around the IPL 2026 auction, Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the playing XI for the upcoming crucial third Ashes Test in Adelaide. On the eve of the potential Ashes-winning game, Australia have revealed that Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are back in the side. However, Michael Neser is unfortunate to miss out despite taking a match-winning fifer in the last game at Gabba. Brendan Doggett has been excluded as well, expectedly.

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja excluded again

The biggest talking point from Australia’s selection is the omission of Usman Khawaja, a call that could quietly signal the end of his long Test career. Khawaja, who turns 39 during the Adelaide Test, was ruled out of the Gabba match due to back spasms but had publicly stated earlier this week that he was fully fit and keen to retain his place.

Despite that, the selectors have chosen to move on, sticking with Jake Weatherald and Travis Head at the top after their promising partnerships in the last two Tests. Weatherald and Head showed encouraging signs in Brisbane, adding 75 in the fourth innings after backing it up with a 77-run stand in the first innings.

With Josh Inglis retained in the middle order, there was no room for Khawaja, whose returns have dipped since the 2023 Ashes. He has averaged just over 31 in that period, with only one century in 45 innings, numbers that likely weighed heavily on the selection panel.

Australia Playing XI for 3rd Ashes Test

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

Michael Neser is the other unlucky casualty. The Queensland quick will walk away with fond memories of the Gabba after his five-for-42 dismantled England’s middle order and sealed an eight-wicket win. However, with Cummins and Lyon both fit again, Australia have reverted to their preferred attack for the pink-ball Test. So, Australia’s iconic bowling attack is (almost) back. Scott Boland is playing in place of Josh Hazlewood, who is already ruled out of the series.

There was a brief scare around Steve Smith after he missed training on Monday due to illness, but the senior batter returned to the nets on Tuesday. His name will also be in the auction pool on Tuesday.

England playing XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), ⁠Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, ⁠Jofra Archer, ⁠Josh Tongue