AUS vs ENG: Australia playing XI announced for the Ashes third test

Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins (Credits - X)

Following two massive victories in the first two tests against the visitors, England, the hosts, Australia, are now aiming to seal the series in the next test, which is set to start on December 17 at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. For this, Australia has announced their playing XI. Pat Cummins is returning after an injury recovery, and he is also leading the side. Nathan Lyon is also included in the Australia playing XI.

Veteran opener Usman Khawaja finds no place in the Playing XI for the Adelaide Test. It means once again Jake Weatherald will open with Travis Head. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon will play instead of Michael Neser and Brendon Doggett. Neser picked a fifer during the second innings of the Gabba test, while Doggett is the second leading wicket taker for the Aussies with 7 wickets, along with teammate Scott Boland. Cummins returns to competitive cricket for the first time after five months, after suffering a lower back stress injury back in July during the 3-0 series win against the West Indies. Asked about Usman Khawaja’s omission from the playing XI, skipper Pat Cummins responds,

"Each game you have a look at what you think the next week needs, but it feels like with the current line-up, we've got plenty of flexibility in the squad.

"The big thing that shifted on us is probably Trav [Head] opening after that first test and how good that's looked with 'Weathers' [Weatherald]. We were pretty happy with that batting lineup, and it didn't feel like there was a need to change the middle order."

"One of Uzzie's great strengths is that 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."

Usman Khawaja was part of the first test at Perth, where he scored only 2 runs. He was dismissed by Brydon Carse. In this match, he batted at 4. He had a back injury later in the game, which prevented him from batting in the second innings. He also missed the second test match due to this injury.

Australia playing XI for the 3rd test

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

Josh Tongue In, Gus Atkinson Out

On the other hand, before Australia, England had already announced their 3rd test playing XI. Josh Tongue will feature in the Adelaide test instead of Gus Atkinson. This will be a do-or-die match for England. If they lose any of the upcoming cricket matches of the Ashes 2025/26, they will lose the series. Even a drawing contest will not help them.