Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins has returned after a long injury layoff. For the third Test, Australia made two changes to their lineup. Cummins replaced Brendan Doggett who made his Test debut in Perth. Michael Neser who claimed a fifer in England's second innings in the Gabba Test has been replaced by veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
There is no place for soon-to-be 39-year-old Usman Khawaja who is declared fit after suffering back spasms in Perth Test. As a result, Travis Head has held the opening spot alongside Jake Weatherald.
However, Cummins ensured that it is not the end to Khawaja's Test career.
"I think the selectors have been quite adamant we're picking a side each week. It doesn't necessarily mean it's got to be exactly the same team as the previous week. We do that with the bowlers," said the skipper on the eve of the third Test.
"One of Uzzie's great strengths is he scores runs at the top. He's scored runs in the middle. If we didn't think he'd be good enough to come straight in, then he wouldn't be here in the squad. So absolutely I can see a path back at some point if needed."
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Cummins pointed out that it is not only Khawaja who has missed out. He lauded Neser and Doggett for doing well in his absence and Josh Hazlewood's.
"It's not only Uzzie, there's Beau Webster who's missed out these three Tests," said Cummins.
"'Ness' is coming off a five-for, 'Doggy' playing the first two Tests and doing really well. So there's a disappointed group of players, but they've all been fantastic around the group.They're buying in. We know we need a squad to win an Ashes series, and they've all been brilliant."
Playing XIs for Adelaide Test -
Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue