Pat Cummins is on track to make his comeback for the third Ashes Test, with Australia including him in a 15-man squad announced on Wednesday. The Adelaide Test begins December 17, and his return could not be better timed as Australia leads the five-match series 2-0 after their eight-wicket win in Brisbane.
Pat Cummins is the only new name added to the squad from the second Test. The pace-bowling captain has been out since July due to a lower back injury picked up during the West Indies tour, but signs are positive that he is ready to take the field again.
Coach Confident In Pat Cummins’ Readiness
Australia coach Andrew McDonald expressed full confidence in Cummins’ recovery.
“We feel as though he’ll be as best prepared as can be,” McDonald said while speaking about his condition. He added that Cummins was recovering faster than expected and was close to playing in Brisbane as well.
“He was well ahead of where we thought he’d be at and it did create a real live conversation for (Cummins playing in) Brisbane.
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“It was debated a lot leading into that Test match. With that in mind, us seeing him further advanced, we feel he’ll be really well placed for the challenges of Adelaide albeit (it’s still) a long way off. We feel as though the simulation in the nets has got him skill ready. His body’s ready to go. Barring anything else happening in the next week, I’d be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on.”
Khawaja Retained, Lyon Likely To Return
Usman Khawaja also holds his spot after missing the second Test due to a back issue. Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon is expected to rejoin the playing eleven after sitting out the day-night Test at the Gabba, where Australia went with a full pace attack.
Series Schedule Moving Forward
After Adelaide, the Ashes move to Melbourne for the traditional Boxing Day Test. The fifth and final Test will begin in Sydney on January 4.
Australia Squad For the Third Test
Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
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