CRICKET: Cummins heads Australia squad for third Ashes test

Cummins Returns to Australia Squad for Third Ashes Test. Australia captain Pat Cummins has been named in the squad for the third Ashes Test against England, signaling that the fast bowler is likely to make his first appearance of the series in Adelaide next week.

Cummins has been struggling with a back issue and missed Australia’s eight-wicket victories over England in Perth and Brisbane, which have given the hosts a 2-0 lead heading into the Adelaide Oval clash on December 17.

“We feel as though he’ll be as best prepared as can be,” Australia coach Andrew McDonald said on Tuesday. “We feel as though the simulation in the nets has got him skill ready. His body’s ready to go. Barring anything else happening in the next week, I’d be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on.”

Josh Hazlewood, who usually forms the first-choice bowling attack alongside Cummins and Mitchell Starc, was absent from the squad after being ruled out for the remainder of the series due to Achilles and hamstring injuries.

“His rehabilitation timelines have been adjusted, and he will now prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next year,” the team said.

Pace bowler Michael Neser retains his spot after being brought into the squad as an injury replacement and into the playing XI in Brisbane, replacing spinner Nathan Lyon. The Queenslander, who took five wickets for 42 runs in the second innings at the Gabba, may not get a chance to play in Adelaide, with Cummins and Lyon expected to return.

Neser and Brendan Doggett, who debuted in the series opener in Perth, are likely to make way for the returning duo as Australia looks to seal the series with two matches to spare.

Cummins is the only addition to the 15-man squad, with opener Usman Khawaja retaining his place despite missing the Brisbane Test due to a back problem.

Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster -Nick Mulvenney/Reuters