Adelaide: Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the 15-man squad for the third Ashes Test against England, to be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 17 to 21.
The team marked the return of Australian captain Pat Cummins from the third Test of the three-match series against the West Indies in July this year.
Meanwhile, left-arm opener Usman Khawaja retained his place in Australia’s squad after missing the Brisbane Test with a back injury.
The rest of the home team remained the same, but the addition of Cummins expanded from 14 players to 15.
The captain’s return will be a big boost for Australia, who are leading the five-match blockbuster series against England 2-0, having won both matches in Perth and Brisbane by comprehensive eight wickets.
Australian coach Andrew MacDonald insisted on Tuesday that Cummins had no concerns going into the match, even though he had not played since July due to a hip stress injury.
“His body is ready for next week, barring anything else, and I expect Pat to flip the coin and put the blazer on,” MacDonald said.
“Bate won’t have any competitive opportunities, which is something we’ve done with Bate before long layoffs, where we’ve taken some time and effort to rebuild his body.
“He was out there at Allan Border Field, when everyone was at the Cuppa, and he simulated what a match would be like there with a lot of mantras. So we feel how well prepared he will be.”
Australia Squad for Third Ashes Test: Pat Cummins (catch), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnes Lapuzagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherold and Beau Websterold.
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