AUS vs ENG: Australia squad announced for the third Ashes Test against England
Australia have tightened their grip on the five-match Ashes Test series with a dominant 2–0 lead and have now been handed a major boost ahead of the third Test. Pat Cummins has been included in the 15-man squad for the upcoming match at the Adelaide Oval, scheduled to begin on December 17. The star fast bowler has been sidelined since July, when he suffered a lumbar stress injury shortly after Australia’s tour of the West Indies. His return adds significant strength and experience to Australia’s pace attack as they look to seal the series.
AUS vs ENG: Aussie captain Pat Cummins returns for the third Ashes Test
In contrast, Australia have been dealt a setback with Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out for the remainder of the Ashes. The veteran pacer sustained a hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield game last month and subsequently missed the opening two Tests in Perth and Brisbane. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in Australia’s bowling lineup, although Cummins’ comeback helps cushion the blow as the hosts aim to maintain their dominance.
Josh Hazlewood’s injury concerns deepened last week when he suffered an additional setback, this time damaging his Achilles tendon. This latest injury compounded the hamstring issue he was already dealing with, making his recovery timeline even more uncertain. On Tuesday, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Hazlewood would miss the entire Test summer, ruling him out of the remaining Ashes matches as well as upcoming red-ball fixtures. The team management is now shifting focus toward ensuring he completes a full rehabilitation program. The more realistic goal for Hazlewood, according to McDonald, is to regain full fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup, scheduled for February–March next year in India and Sri Lanka, where his experience in pressure situations will be vital.
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins' return to the squad has prompted an important leadership change. With the fast bowler back and ready to resume his responsibilities, Steve Smith has been relieved of his temporary captaincy duties. Smith will return to his regular role as vice-captain, restoring Australia’s usual leadership structure just in time for the crucial AUS vs ENG third Test. Cummins’ reinstatement brings stability to the team setup as the hosts look to maintain their stronghold in the Ashes series.
Australia have been in dominant form throughout this year’s Ashes, consistently capitalizing on key moments, while England have repeatedly let strong positions slip away. The contrasting performances have created a wide gulf between the two sides as the series progresses. In another boost for Australia, Usman Khawaja has returned to the squad. Although he featured in the first Test, he was unable to open in either innings and was subsequently rested by Cricket Australia to allow full recovery. During his absence, Australia experimented with a new opening combination of Jake Weatherald and Travis Head. With Khawaja now fit again, head coach Andrew McDonald has suggested that the veteran batter might be considered for a middle-order role instead of his usual place at the top. It remains to be seen where the 38-year-old will slot in, adding an intriguing selection puzzle ahead of the next Test.
Australia has named its squad for the third #Ashes Test in Adelaide: https://t.co/vlep9WVt1g pic.twitter.com/SyLgLlppPE
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 10, 2025
Australia squad for the third Ashes Test against England
Pat Cummins (C), 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, and Beau Webster.
Predicted Australia playing XI
Usman Khawaja
Jake Weatherald
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith (C)
Travis Head
Cameron Green
Alex Carey
Pat Cummins
Mitchell Starc
Nathan Lyon
Scott Boland
