Australia has announced its 15-man squad for the third Test match of the Ashes series against England. The match is scheduled to be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 17.
Ahead of the match, Pat Cummins will mark his return as captain, and his inclusion will also boost the team`s bowling line-up.
Along with Cummins, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon is also expected to return to action for the third clash.
The pacer has missed out on action since Australia`s 3-0 sweep against the West Indies in July, after experiencing back soreness. Following the injury, he missed out on the two matches of the ongoing Ashes series.
On the other hand, Lyon was sidelined for the as Australia opted for an all-seam attack for the day-night match at the Gabba in Brisbane. The Cricket Australia (CA) officials have confirmed his return for the third Test match.
The other question remains over Usman Khawaja. The 38-year-old is confident he will overcome a back injury in time for the match, but it remains to be seen whether he will reclaim his spot at the top of the order. Travis Head made scores of 33 and 22, opening with Jake Weatherald in Brisbane.
Ahead of the third match, the “Three Lions” under the captaincy of Ben Stokes will play for pride. They will look to secure a win in order to keep the series alive. The hosts, on the other hand, will look to clinch the series by registering their third consecutive win in the high-profile rivalry between teams.
The hosts will miss the services of their star pacer, Josh Hazlewood, as he has sustained hamstring and Achilles injuries.
After the Adelaide clash, the series moves on to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test, with the fifth and final match at the Moore Park in Sydney starting on January 4.
Australia`s squad for the third Test match of the Ashes series: Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
(With Inputs from Agencies)