Australia captain Pat Cummins will return for next week’s third Ashes Test in Adelaide, a match that could decide the series. The fast bowler missed the first two Tests because of a back injury, but Australia still won both games.
Cummins is the only change to the squad after their eight-wicket win in Brisbane. Australia need just a draw in Adelaide to keep the Ashes, and a win would secure the series. England, meanwhile, have never come back from 2–0 down to win the Ashes.
Cummins hasn’t played since July but has been training with the team. He was close to featuring in the second Test, but Steve Smith continued as stand-in captain.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey said Cummins “looks like he’s moving really well” and has brought plenty of energy around the squad.
Australia will still be without Josh Hazlewood for the rest of the series because of hamstring and Achilles injuries. Jhye Richardson will train in Adelaide as he works back from a shoulder issue. Spinner Nathan Lyon, left out in Brisbane, is expected to return, which may push Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser out of the team.
There’s also a decision to make on Usman Khawaja, who missed the first two Tests with a back problem. Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have opened strongly in his place, meaning Khawaja may have to fight for a middle-order spot.
While the Australian players went home between matches, the England team took a short break in Noosa and will return to training on Sunday. England must break a 17-Test winless streak in Australia to have any chance of getting back into the series.
Carey warned against complacency, saying Australia were in a similar position in England in 2023 but failed to win the series. He stressed that they need to keep playing well and not think ahead to the final Test in Sydney.
