Australia announce playing 11 for Ashes 2025-26 3rd Test; include two star bowlers

Skipper Pat Cummins and star spinner Nathan Lyon return to Australia's playing 11 for the third Ashes 2025-26 Test in Adelaide, starting December 17. Cummins missed the first two Tests due to injury, while Lyon was omitted from the second Test in Adelaide.

However, the duo replaced the impressive Michael Neser, who picked up a five-wicket haul in the second innings of the Adelaide encounter, and pacer Brendan Doggett.

Australia also made a surprising decision by excluding veteran opener Usman Khawaja from the 11 for the third Test. The southpaw missed the second Test due to back spasms sustained in the series opener in Perth.

Australia has found success with the Travis Head and Jake Weatherald opening combination in the series and will continue with the same in Adelaide. Meanwhile, Steve Smith led the side admirably in Cummins' absence, helping Australia take a 2-0 lead with three matches remaining.

A win or a draw in the Adelaide encounter will ensure the hosts retain the Ashes urn.

Australia's playing XI for the 3rd Ashes Test

Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

"Didn't feel like it needed to change in the middle order" - Pat Cummins

Aussie skipper Pat Cummins addressed Usman Khawaja's exclusion, stating that the management did not feel the need to change a batting order that worked wonders in the second Test in Brisbane. The hosts scored a massive 511 in the first innings of the Day/Night encounter before chasing down the 65 required in the final innings with eight wickets remaining.

"I think the big thing that's shifted on us is probably Trav opening after that first Test and how good that has looked with the Weathers, so we're pretty happy with that batting line-up. It didn't feel like it needed to change in the middle order. So far, it's looked like they [Head and Weatherald] have been able to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Whatever has been thrown at them, they've had an answer to. It's really set up the platform for our innings," said Cummins (via ESPN Cricinfo).

Yet, Cummins confirmed that Khawaja remains in the scheme of things in Australia's red-ball setup, saying:

"One of Uzzie's great strengths he's scored runs at the top, he's scored runs in the middle. If we didn't think he'd be good enough to come straight in, then he wouldn't be here in the squad. So, absolutely, I can see a path back at some point, if needed."

Khawaja scored only two in his lone innings in the ongoing series, continuing his struggles since last year. The veteran left-hander has averaged only a tick over 30 in 17 Tests over that period.