Australia have decided against recalling veteran opener Usman Khawaja for the third Ashes Test, a match England captain Ben Stokes has described as the most important of his leadership tenure.
England Facing Must-Win Situation
England trail the five-match Ashes series 2-0 after defeats in the opening two Tests. A loss in Adelaide would confirm a fourth successive Ashes series defeat in Australia and extend England’s wait for regaining the urn to at least 12 years.
Such an outcome would also place significant pressure on captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key.
Cummins Returns to Lead Australia
Australia captain Pat Cummins will return for his first appearance of the series after recovering from a back injury. Cummins replaces Michael Neser, while off-spinner Nathan Lyon comes in for Brendan Doggett.
Despite being fit again, Khawaja has not been recalled. The 38-year-old missed the second Test due to back spasms and could have played his final Ashes match. Travis Head and Jake Weatherald will continue as Australia’s opening pair.
Cummins Confident on Fitness
Cummins has not played since the West Indies tour in July but insists he is fully fit and will bowl without restrictions. With high temperatures forecast in Adelaide, match fitness could play a key role in the contest.
The Australian skipper said an aggressive rehabilitation plan was followed to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
England Make One Change
England have made a single change to their XI, with Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson. Shoaib Bashir has again been overlooked, with Will Jacks preferred as the all-round spin option.
England spent part of the break in Noosa before resuming training in Adelaide, a decision that has drawn attention given the series situation.
Pressure Mounts on England Leadership
Stokes has admitted to using his voice more than at any point during his captaincy, stressing the importance of fight, determination and grit within the group. England must now win three of the remaining Tests to regain the Ashes.
Defeats on Ashes tours have historically led to major changes, and another loss could prompt serious questions about the futures of several players.
Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
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