<h2>Cummins, Lyon Back as Australia Reveals XI for Adelaide Test - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <h2>&nbsp;</h2> <p>-Pat Cummins returns as captain with Nathan Lyon recalled for Australia's third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval</p> <p>-Usman Khawaja dropped despite strong career record as selectors back Travis Head-Jake Weatherald opening partnership</p> <p>-Australia leads series 2-0 and can clinch Ashes urn with victory in Adelaide starting December 17</p> <p>Australia captain Pat Cummins returns from injury alongside spinner Nathan Lyon as the hosts aim to secure the Ashes urn in the third Test at Adelaide Oval starting Tuesday.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cummins and Lyon Return for Crucial Adelaide Test</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The third Ashes Test at Adelaide presents Australia with the opportunity to clinch the series after comprehensive eight-wicket victories in Brisbane and Perth.&nbsp;</p> <p>Captain Pat Cummins returns to lead the side after five months out with a bone stress injury, taking back the captaincy from Steve Smith who stepped in during his absence.</p> <p>Nathan Lyon's recall creates significant selection pressure, with the veteran spinner replacing one of Australia's seamers from the all-pace attack used at the Gabba.&nbsp;</p> <p>This move reflects the traditional nature of Adelaide Oval, where spin historically plays a crucial role in Test cricket outcomes.</p> <p>The bowling combination of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland forms Australia's pace brigade, leaving no room for Michael Neser despite his second-innings five-wicket haul in Brisbane. Brendan Doggett, who claimed seven wickets across the opening two Tests, also misses out on selection.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Khawaja Overlooked Despite Squad Inclusion, Fitness</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Usman Khawaja's omission from the Adelaide Test team represents the most significant selection talking point, with the 38-year-old left-hander unable to reclaim his opening position. Khawaja turns 39 on Thursday, raising questions about his international cricket future.</p> <p>Cummins defended the decision while leaving the door open for Khawaja's potential return. "One of Uzzie's great strengths is that he scores runs at the top.&nbsp;</p> <p>He's scored runs in the middle," the captain explained. "If we didn't think he'd be good enough to come straight in, then he wouldn't be here in the squad."</p> <p>The successful Head-Weatherald opening partnership continues after their impressive performances following Khawaja's back injury in Perth.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their chemistry at the top of the order has provided Australia with aggressive starts, particularly Head's dynamic approach that previously saw him batting in the middle order.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>England's Challenge in Adelaide</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>England arrives in Adelaide facing a must-win scenario to keep the Ashes series alive. Captain Ben Stokes leads an unchanged XI from Perth, with the tourists banking on their aggressive 'Bazball' approach to challenge Australia's dominance.</p> <p>The English batting lineup features Joe Root and Harry Brook as key anchors, while their pace attack relies on Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse to exploit any weaknesses in Australia's batting order. Jamie Smith continues as wicketkeeper-batter, providing crucial lower-order runs for England's cause.</p> <p>Adelaide Oval's traditional characteristics favour teams with strong spinning options, giving Lyon's inclusion added significance. The pitch typically offers assistance to both pace and spin bowlers as matches progress, making first-innings totals crucial.</p> <p>Australia's squad depth remains impressive despite several quality players missing selection. Josh Inglis retains his number seven position after his century on debut in Sri Lanka, while Cameron Green provides crucial all-round balance in the middle order.</p> <p>The Adelaide Test begins December 17 at 10:30 am AEDT, with Australia requiring just one victory from the remaining three matches to secure the Ashes urn. England must win at least two of the final three Tests to regain cricket's most coveted prize.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Australia XI: </strong>Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland</p> <p><strong>England XI: </strong>Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Ashes 2025/26 - Third Test Betting Odds:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/the-ashes/australia-v-england-9928292">Bet on the third Ashes Test with Sportsbet here. See over 50= live markets and multis available now online.&nbsp;</a></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p>