Hazlewood Ruled Out of Ashes as Cummins Returns for Adelaide Test
Australia captain Pat Cummins is set to return for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide next week, but the team has been dealt a major blow with fast bowler Josh Hazlewood ruled out for the remainder of the series due to an Achilles injury. Hazlewood, who had already been recovering from a hamstring strain, will now shift his focus toward being fit for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed on Tuesday that Cummins is ready to resume leadership duties despite not having played competitive cricket since July due to a lumbar stress injury.
“His body's ready to go and barring anything else happening in the next week, I'd be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on,” McDonald said.
Hazlewood’s withdrawal marks an unexpected setback for Australia.
“Unfortunately, Josh won't be a part of the Ashes,” McDonald said. “Really, really flat for him. A couple of setbacks that we didn't see coming… His preparation will now shift towards the World Cup.”
Khawaja Set to Return Amid Opening Dilemma
Usman Khawaja is expected to be fit for the Adelaide Test, with Australia to name a 15-man squad including Cummins as the only addition. His return raises a selection debate, as the new opening partnership of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald has impressed with consecutive 70-plus stands in Perth and Brisbane.
McDonald hinted Khawaja could be used outside the opening role if required.
“The assumption is that Uzzie can only open. He does have the flexibility… We’re taking this Test by Test,” he said.
If selected, Khawaja—who turns 39 during the match—would become the first Australian Test cricketer in four decades to play at that age.
Lyon Expected to Reclaim Place After Pink-Ball Exclusion
Nathan Lyon is set for a return to the XI after being left out of two pink-ball Tests in recent months. McDonald reiterated the veteran spinner remains central to the team’s plans.
“We just value different things in the pink-ball game… We still do value spin,” he said. “I think Nath is going to have an incredibly huge impact in the last three Test matches.”
Selection Squeeze Looms Ahead of Adelaide
Cummins’ and Lyon’s expected return will likely force changes to the bowling attack. Brendan Doggett appears the most likely omission, while Michael Neser—who claimed his maiden Test five-wicket haul in Brisbane—would be unlucky to miss out.
Despite the tight four-day turnaround before the Boxing Day Test, Australia is not expected to rest Scott Boland.
“It would be more than likely the best balanced and available attack for Adelaide,” McDonald confirmed.
Mitchell Starc, who experienced discomfort in Brisbane, has been cleared of any serious concerns.
“Starcy had a little bit of a hindrance… but nothing to worry about,” McDonald said. “He’s pulled up well, which is a real positive for us.”
Australia leads the series 2–0 heading into the third Test at Adelaide Oval.