Australia’s selectors announced a 15‑man Ashes 2025–26 third Test squad headlined by Pat Cummins’ return and Josh Hazlewood’s heartbreaking withdrawal. Cummins has been out since July with a lower‑back stress injury. The only change from Brisbane is Cummins replacing Hazlewood, who suffered an Achilles setback while recovering from a hamstring strain.
Ashes 2025–26 Third Test Squad: Pat Cummins Return Ashes
Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, expressed strong confidence in Pat Cummins‘ readiness for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. “His body’s ready to go… We feel as though the simulation in the nets has him skill ready,” he said.
The coach further added, “A couple of setbacks we didn’t see coming… It’s somewhere lower in the calf to the Achilles region.” Giving Josh Hazlewood injury update, McDonald continued that Hazlewood will now prepare for the T20 World Cup instead. Just a month back, Josh Hazlewood was announced fit to play the 5 Test against England.
With Hazlewood misses third Test and Cummins back in charge, here’s Australia’s Ashes 2025–26 Australia team for the third Test:
| Role | Australian Cricket Team Updates |
| Captain & pace spearhead | Pat Cummins |
| Fast Bowlers | Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett |
| Spin | Nathan Lyon |
| All-rounders | Cameron Green, Beau Webster |
| Wicketkeepers | Alex Carey, Josh Inglis |
| Top/middle order | Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith |
Michael Neser keeps his place after a Gabba five‑for but may be squeezed out if Cummins and Lyon both play. Veteran Usman Khawaja is included despite a recent back spasm; selectors are impressed with his versatility, and may slot him down the order.
This Australia third Test squad shows continuity yet underscores the team’s faith in Cummins’ fitness and Lyon’s spin on an Adelaide surface that often slows down late.
Suggested Read: Ashes 2025: Root Scores Maiden Ton in Australia, Starc Surpasses Wasim Akram’s Wicket Tally
Ashes 2025–26 Third Test Squad: What to Expect in Adelaide and Beyond
First, expect a fired‑up Cummins to set the tone on the first evening at the Adelaide Oval. He hasn’t played since July and will be itching to mark his comeback in this Australia vs England Test series 2025–26.
His presence allows head coach Andrew McDonald to pick the balanced attack he prefers: a spinner at one end and rotating quicks at the other. Neser and Doggett, heroes of earlier Tests, may have to wait in the wings, a harsh reminder that Ashes 2025–26 is brutal.
Second, the batting order is still a jigsaw puzzle. If Khawaja’s back holds up, he could slot at No 5 behind Labuschagne and Smith, leaving Head and Weatherald to open.
The top order looked jittery at times in Brisbane, so selectors may value Khawaja’s experience.
Fans hungry for Ashes third Test news should watch Beau Webster’s emergence; his all‑round skills offer insurance if Cummins is eased back after long spells.
Finally, the mood inside the camp is cautiously optimistic. After the Brisbane win, wicketkeeper Alex Carey said that coming into Adelaide 2‑0 is a “good position,” but also reminded everyone that England remains dangerous.
Alex recalled how a 2‑0 lead in the 2023 series ended in a 2‑2 draw, and insists the team must continue playing good cricket.
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