Pat Cummins Returns to Australia Squad for Adelaide Test
Pat Cummins returns to Australia’s squad for the Adelaide Test after a back injury, boosting their bid to seal the Ashes with a 2–0 lead.
Pat Cummins rejoins Australia’s Test squad ahead of the Adelaide Ashes clash.
Australia got a huge kick start right before the third Test at Adelaide Oval for the Ashes series when the team captain Pat Cummins made his comeback after being out of action for five months due to an injury. Cricket Australia has made it public on Wednesday (December 10) that a 15-member squad has been formed and among them, the only one for the Test on December 17 is Cummins.
Cummins has been off the field since July on account of a lumbar stress injury which also resulted in his missing the first two Ashes Tests and no cricket till the West Indies series. His healing process was faster than expected and so he was close to selection for the Gabba Test, but the management decided to give him more time and had him bowl several match-simulation spells instead to further his readiness.
Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Cummins is now fully prepared for the Adelaide challenge.
"He was well ahead of where we thought he’d be. We feel the simulations have him skill-ready and his body is good to go. Barring any setbacks, he will be tossing the coin next week," McDonald said.
Usman Khawaja Retains His Spot
Despite missing Perth and Brisbane due to a back injury, Usman Khawaja has also retained his place. McDonald noted that Khawaja progressed well during Brisbane nets and is expected to be match fit.
"He has the flexibility to bat anywhere in the order," the coach added.
Selection Dilemma for Adelaide
In the scenario where Cummins and Nathan Lyon return to the squad, Australia will have to make a hard choice among Boland, Neser, and Doggett. The hectic schedule of the Test series will most likely lead to the top players being on the ground at the same time in Adelaide, with exchanges happening in the Melbourne and Sydney matches.
Australia Eye Series Seal
Holding a 2–0 lead in the five-match series, Australia will look to seal the Ashes and retain the urn at Adelaide Oval.
Australia Squad for Third Test
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, the Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
