In a surprising move, Usman Khawaja has been passed over for selection in the Australian cricket team, even though he has fully recovered from his recent injuries. Instead, Josh Inglis will retain his position in the middle order for the upcoming Ashes Test in Adelaide.
On the eve of the match, returning captain Pat Cummins announced the lineup, reaffirming that Travis Head and Jake Weatherald would remain as the opening pair. This decision is particularly disappointing for Khawaja, who had been optimistic about rejoining the team after experiencing back spasms that sidelined him during the Perth Test, ultimately preventing him from participating in the Gabba match. His only chance of re-entering the squad would have hinged on Steve Smith’s potential withdrawal; Smith had missed a crucial training session due to illness. However, after batting on Tuesday, he seems ready to take the field.
Cummins explained that the performance of Head and Weatherald at the top of the order against England has been impressive and warrants their continued selection, while also emphasizing that Inglis deserves another opportunity in the middle order.
"The significant factor for us has been how well Trav has performed as an opener alongside Weathers following that first Test," Cummins stated. "We were pleased with our batting lineup, and it felt unnecessary to make any changes to the middle order.
"At this moment, it appears sensible to stick with this arrangement, although it might change in the future. Each week we assess what adjustments may be necessary, but our current group provides plenty of flexibility."
Head, who had previously expressed willingness to open the batting if it benefited the team, became more assertive about claiming the position when Khawaja’s back issues created an opening in Perth.
Cummins remarked, "What players say publicly often contrasts with private conversations. If someone is vying for a position, it inevitably means someone else misses out. Trav is an excellent team player and vice-captain, always cautious not to step on anyone's toes.
"He consistently emphasizes his readiness to do whatever the team requires, and for quite some time, we’ve viewed his role as batting at No. 5, which he has embraced wholeheartedly. Over the last few years, we've experimented with various openers, and he has often said, 'If you need me, I’m willing to step in.' But when he left the field at Perth Stadium, asserting, 'I think this is my time,' we all recognized that he was serious about seizing this opportunity."
Nevertheless, Cummins reassured that there remains a potential pathway for Khawaja to return to the lineup if circumstances allow.
"The selectors have made it clear that each week we are putting together a new team, and that doesn’t mean it has to mirror the previous week’s selection," Cummins explained. "We apply this approach to our bowlers as well.
"Nathan Lyon is returning this week, and one of Uzzy’s great assets is his ability to score runs both at the top and in the middle order. He is still part of the squad, and if we didn’t believe he could step back in seamlessly, he wouldn’t be here. I can definitely see a scenario where he returns if the situation calls for it."
Lyon, along with Cummins, will replace Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser in the bowling unit. This marks Cummins' first match since the West Indies tour in July, where he initially felt discomfort that was later diagnosed as a stress injury to his back.
"I’m ready to go. I’ve been bowling at full capacity for quite a while now," Cummins shared. "Had I played in Brisbane, it likely would have been under restrictions, but this week, I am set to participate just like any other Test match."
Having observed the first two Tests from the sidelines, Cummins expressed confidence that the Australian bowling attack can continue to exploit the weaknesses of England’s aggressive batting style.
"Our hope is that they come here and fall into the same traps we’ve successfully set so far," he noted. "It’s not exactly a surprise. Just like any series, adaptation is essential, and I expect them to implement different strategies for this game, and we will aim to adjust accordingly. However, it has certainly been enjoyable to watch things unfold until now."
The highly anticipated third Test is scheduled to commence at Adelaide Oval at 10:30 AM AEDT on Wednesday.
