Post by : Maya Rahman

Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper, and Nathan Lyon, the seasoned spinner, are set to make their comeback in the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide. Usman Khawaja, however, finds himself left out, putting his future in Test cricket in question. Cummins is returning after overcoming a back injury that sidelined him for the first two Tests in Perth and Brisbane, while Lyon re-enters the squad after being dropped for the previous game, which Australia clinched by eight wickets.

Both Cummins and Lyon replace the fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser as they join Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in the bowling lineup. Though Khawaja is fit, selectors have opted for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, who successfully opened together in the last Test following Khawaja's absence due to back spasms.

Cummins expressed faith in Khawaja, who will celebrate his 39th birthday on Thursday. With 85 Tests under his belt and a batting average of 43.56, Cummins believes Khawaja’s experience makes him a viable option for the future.

Josh Inglis will continue batting at seven after moving up in the order for the Brisbane Test. Leading the five-match series 2-0, Australia needs just a draw in Adelaide to secure the Ashes. Cummins also highlighted that lessons learned from the last Ashes in 2023 — where Australia was left at 2-0 only to finish the series at 2-2 — still resonate.

For the Adelaide Test, Australia's confirmed lineup includes Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland.

#Global News #Sports News