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Australia opt not to recall Usman Khawaja as captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon return for third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide
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Updated 16/12/2025 at 11:26 GMT
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Usman Khawaja, 38, could be facing the end of his Test career after Australia elected not to recall him for the third Test of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes against England in Adelaide, which will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Captain Pat Cummins will return for the hosts, along with veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, two changes which were always expected in time for this crucial match.
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Australia have decided not to recall batter Usman Khawaja for the upcoming third Test of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes against England in Adelaide, which could be the decisive match of the series.
With the series standing at 2-0 in Australia’s favour, only a win will be enough to keep England in with a shot of bringing the urn back to their home country - having not done so on Australian soil since 2010/11.
As Australia are the current champions, they only need a draw to retain the title.
With criticism mounting on managing director Rob Key, head coach Brendon McCullum, captain Ben Stokes, and "Bazball" as an approach to Test cricket, a failure to mount a serious comeback could have implications for England’s management.
Speaking to the BBC, Stokes said he was looking forward to the third Test.
He said: "Throughout my career I've been involved in quite a few big moments. This is another one, and I'm really, really looking forward to it.
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"I've enjoyed the build-up, I've enjoyed the pressure of what this game means. As it's come closer and closer, it's become a lot easier. That's how I deal with big things and big moments – look at it front-on, take it on and deal with all the emotions that come with it.
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"What else are you supposed to do? Don't let the moment overcome me or feel like it's going to control me. I'll go out, put all that stuff to one side and do what I need to do in every situation I get put in, and try my absolute best."
While Khawaja has not been picked, captain and pace bowler Pat Cummins will make his return after regaining his fitness following a back problem.
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"I had 16 weeks completely off bowling, made sure the bone heals well and from there it's ramping up," said Cummins.
"Normally you ramp up over maybe three or four months, but that would have meant missing the Ashes.
"We set on a pretty aggressive plan to get up in six or seven weeks. I haven't had any hiccups. I'm feeling great, probably better than I would have thought. The back has healed well, so, here we are."
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon is also added to the team, with Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett dropping out.
Khawaja - who turns 39 on Thursday - missed the second Test at the Gabba due to back spasms, and his absence has called his future with the national team into question.
Travis Head and Jake Weatherald remain as the openers for the home side.
Australia v England - third Ashes Test line-ups
Australia side: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
England side: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
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