Ashes: Australia drop Usman Khawaja, recall Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for Adelaide Test | Cricket News

In-form opener Usman Khawaja was the biggest casualty as Australia named their XI for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide starting on Wednesday, opting to back continuity at the top while recalling captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon in a bid to seal the series. The decision to rule out Khawaja, who turns 39 this week, has cast fresh doubts over the future of one of Australia’s most experienced Test batters.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!Khawaja suffered back spasms and failed to open in the first Test victory against England in Perth. He was then ruled out of the second Test in Brisbane as the selectors opted for a revamped first order. Despite making a full recovery, the selectors opted to persist with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald as openers, a pair who have impressed in Australia’s last three innings. For Khawaja, an 85-Test veteran enduring poor form, the omission is a major blow.

Australian captain Pat Cummins, however, insisted the door was not closed. “Potentially, yes,” Cummins said when asked if Khawaja could return. “We pick a team every week based on what we think is best. One of Uzzie’s great strengths is that he scored points up top and in the middle. If we didn’t think he could go straight in, he wouldn’t be there in the team.”Cummins himself returns to the XI after missing the first two Tests with a back injury, reclaiming the captaincy from Steve Smith. The fast bowler said he is fully fit and ready to operate without restrictions. “If I had played in Brisbane it would have been limited overs. This week it’s just going out and playing like any other Test,” he said.Lyon are also back after being excluded from the Gabba Test in favor of an all-out tempo attack. His inclusion means Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser make way, although they both contributed heavily to Australia’s eight-wicket victory. Cummins acknowledged the tough decisions, calling Neser and Doggett “unlucky” but emphasizing the need for balance at Adelaide Oval.Australia’s batting core remains unchanged, with Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and Cameron Green forming the middle order. Josh Inglis retains his place at No.7, underlining the selectors’ confidence in his batting ability, while Alex Carey continues as wicketkeeper. Smith, who missed a practice session earlier in the week due to illness, was back in net Tuesday and is ready to play.With Australia holding their momentum and the urn within reach, the focus is on wrapping up the series. For Khawaja, however, the immediate spotlight is harsher – a reminder that even experience and past runs offer no guarantees in a stable, winning team.Australia XI: