ADELAIDE: Australia have recalled captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide, but the big selection call has been the omission of opener Usman Khawaja, a decision that leaves his Test future in doubt.
Cummins returns after recovering from a back injury that ruled him out of the opening Tests in Perth and Brisbane, while Lyon is back after being dropped for the second Test at the Gabba, which Australia won convincingly by eight wickets. The pair replace pace bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, joining Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in a reshaped attack.
Khawaja, who missed the Brisbane Test due to back spasms sustained in Perth, was available for selection but has been overlooked as selectors opted to persist with the opening partnership of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald. The new combination made a promising start in the previous match, prompting Australia to retain them at the top of the order.
Cummins confirmed the decision was based on continuity and recent form, but the absence of Khawaja marks a pivotal moment in the veteran opener’s Test career as Australia look to press home their advantage in the Ashes series.
