Pat Cummins’ return for the third Ashes Test is huge for Australia, but it has come alongside a big selection call: 38-year-old opener Usman Khawaja has been left out despite being passed fit.

Cummins and Lyon back in XI

Australia have recalled captain Pat Cummins and veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, starting December 17. Cummins missed the first two Tests with a back injury but now returns to lead the attack, joining Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in a strong three-pronged pace unit. Lyon also comes back after Australia went with an all-pace attack at the Gabba, meaning Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser make way from the previous XI.

Cummins said he is fully fit and no longer on any bowling restrictions, adding that he can now “just go and play like any other Test match”. He praised how Steve Smith has led the side in his absence and described the series so far as “captivating every session”.

Khawaja left out despite recovering

Usman Khawaja, who turns 39 this month, suffered back spasms in the first Test at Perth and did not open in the second innings there before being ruled out of the second Test in Brisbane. Although he has now recovered, the selectors have chosen to stick with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald as the opening pair, leaving the 85-Test veteran out of the XI and casting doubt over his international future.

Cummins was asked if there was a way back for Khawaja and stressed that the door is not fully closed. He pointed out that Khawaja has scored runs both at the top and in the middle order and that if the team did not think he was still good enough, he would not be in the squad. The captain said he could “absolutely” see a path back for Khawaja if needed, highlighting that the selectors pick the best team for each match rather than sticking rigidly to one combination.

Australia eye series win in Adelaide

Australia lead the Ashes 2-0 and can seal the series with a win in Adelaide. Cummins said the team feels “settled and happy” and that things “couldn’t have gone any better” from their point of view so far. With the attack strengthened by his and Lyon’s return, and with Starc in outstanding form, Australia will back themselves to maintain their dominance over England.

Australia XI for 3rd Ashes Test

1. Jake Weatherald

2. Travis Head

3. Marnus Labuschagne

4. Steve Smith

5. Cameron Green

6. Josh Inglis

7. Alex Carey

8. Pat Cummins ©

9. Mitchell Starc

10. Nathan Lyon

11. Scott Boland