He’s back: Cummins returns as Aussies name Test squad
Scott Bailey |
Pat Cummins is officially back in Australia’s Ashes squad, after the captain was named to return for the third Test against England in Adelaide.
Cummins’ return is the only change to Australia’s squad for next week’s third Test, meaning the hosts will take 15 men with them to try to wrap up the series in Adelaide.
The larger group will allow selectors to keep their options open ahead of the series’ resumption next Wednesday, with Cummins and Nathan Lyon tipped to return to the XI.
Cummins has not played since Australia’s 3-0 sweep of West Indies in July, where he first noted the back soreness that ruled him out of the start of the Ashes.
Lyon, meanwhile, was a surprise omission from Australia’s team for their eight-wicket win at the Gabba.
Officials have confirmed he will return to the side in Adelaide.
Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser loom as the men most likely to miss out, but there is still potential for Australia to adopt a left-field approach for the match.
The other question mark surrounds Usman Khawaja.
The 38-year-old is confident he will overcome a back injury in time for the match, but it remains to be seen whether he will reclaim his spot at the top of the order.
Travis Head made scores of 33 and 22 opening alongside Jake Weatherald in Brisbane, after the South Australian’s heroic fourth-innings century in the first Test.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald has floated the option of bringing Khawaja back into the team in the middle order, if he is brought back into the XI.
AUSTRALIA’S SQUAD FOR THIRD ASHES TEST
Pat Cummins (capt), Steve Smith, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
AAP
