Ashes 2025-26: Australia names playing XI for Adelaide Test; Cummins, Lyon return, Khawaja axed

Fit-again opener Usman Khawaja was left out of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide starting Wednesday as skipper Pat Cummins and veteran Nathan Lyon were named in an Australia side looking to seal the series.

Khawaja, who turns 39 this month, had back spasms and failed to open in the first Test victory against England in Perth, and was then ruled out injured for the second in Brisbane.

He has since recovered, but selectors opted to stick with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald at the top of the order, leaving the 85-Test veteran’s international future in grave doubt.

Asked if there was a way back for Khawaja, who has been on a lean run of form, Cummins replied, “Yeah, potentially. I think the selectors have been quite adamant that we’re picking a side each week, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s got to be exactly the same team as the previous week.

“We do that with the bowlers, this week, obviously, Nathan Lyon’s coming back in, he missed last week. One of Uzzie’s (Khawaja) great strengths is that he has scored runs at the top, he scored runs in the middle,” he added.

“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.”

As expected, Cummins returns after missing the first two Tests with a back injury and will lead the attack alongside the outstanding Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

Veteran spinner Lyon is also back after being axed in preference for an all-pace attack at the Gabba, with Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser making way.

Cummins said he was firing on all cylinders and raring to go.

“If I played in Brisbane, I would have probably been in for limited overs, but this week, it’s just go and play like any other Test match,” he said.

“It’s been fantastic to watch,” he added of the series. “I think it’s lived up to the hype, captivating every session.

“I’ve loved it and itching to get out there. The boys have been fantastic, Steve (Smith) has led brilliantly, and I feel like I’m coming into a pretty settled and happy side.

“Couldn’t have gone any better from our point of view.”

Published on Dec 16, 2025