Khawaja Dropped as Cummins, Lyon Return for Adelaide Test

Usman Khawaja has been left out of Australia’s XI for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, a decision that raises questions over whether the veteran batter has played his final Test match for the national side. The selectors have instead backed the positive momentum generated by the opening partnership of Jake Weatherald and Travis Head.

As expected, captain Pat Cummins and offspinner Nathan Lyon return to the team, replacing Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett. Cummins will play his first Test of the series after recovering from a back injury, while Lyon’s return strengthens Australia’s spin options.

Khawaja missed the second Test in Brisbane after failing to recover in time from back spasms suffered in Perth, which had earlier prevented him from opening in either innings. Despite declaring himself fully fit earlier this week and expressing his eagerness to retain his place, the selectors opted against recalling him. While a move to the middle order had been considered, Josh Inglis has been retained, with Weatherald and Head continuing as Australia’s opening pair.

The Weatherald–Head combination has impressed selectors, adding 75 in the second innings in Perth and 77 in the first innings at the Gabba. Their attacking approach has been credited with unsettling England’s bowlers and providing strong platforms for the middle order.

“I think the big thing that’s shifted is Trav opening after that first Test and how good that has looked with Weathers,” Cummins said ahead of the match. “We’re pretty happy with that batting line-up. It didn’t feel like it needed to change in the middle order.”

Cummins added that the pair’s ability to keep the scoreboard moving has allowed batters such as Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith to start their innings under less pressure. “It’s really set up the platform for our innings and kept that momentum going,” he said.

Khawaja, who turns 39 during the Adelaide Test, has averaged 31.84 since the 2023 Ashes, with one century in 45 innings. Despite his omission, Cummins suggested the door remains open. “Potentially, yeah,” he said. “If we didn’t think he was good enough to come straight in, he wouldn’t be here in the squad. I can absolutely see a path back at some point, if needed.”

Australia head into the Adelaide Test with a 2–0 series lead, a position Cummins described as remarkable given the injury setbacks, including his own delayed return and Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the series.

“It shows great depth in the Aussie cricket system, particularly with fast bowlers,” Cummins said. He praised the contributions of those who have filled in, including Neser and Doggett, and highlighted the careful workload management by the coaching staff.

Steven Smith, who missed training on Monday due to illness, returned to the nets on Tuesday and is expected to be fit for the Test.

Australia XI – Third Ashes Test, Adelaide:
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.