<h2>Pat Cummins Set to Return as Australia Names Squad for Third Ashes Test - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Pat Cummins returns to Australia's Ashes squad as captain after recovering from lumbar back stress injury</p> <p>- Selectors face tough bowling decisions with Cummins' return creating balance challenges for Adelaide Test</p> <p>- Usman Khawaja retains place in 15-man squad despite back concerns, with potential batting order flexibility</p> <p>Australia have welcomed back captain Pat Cummins to their Ashes squad ahead of the crucial third Test at Adelaide Oval starting December 17.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cummins Ready for Ashes Return After Injury Recovery</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Australian cricket team has officially named Pat Cummins in their Ashes squad for the third Test, marking the captain's anticipated return from a lumbar back stress injury that has sidelined him since July.&nbsp;</p> <p>Cummins' comeback represents a significant boost for Australia as they look to secure the Ashes urn with the series already 2-0 in their favour following dominant eight-wicket victories in Perth and Brisbane.</p> <p>Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Cummins has exceeded recovery expectations, revealing selectors seriously considered his inclusion for the Gabba Test before ultimately deciding Adelaide would provide the optimal return stage.&nbsp;</p> <p>The 32-year-old pace spearhead has been simulating match conditions at Allan Border Field, bowling multiple spells to ensure peak readiness for his expected comeback.</p> <p>"We feel as though he'll be as best prepared as can be," McDonald stated. "He was well ahead of where we thought he'd be and it did create a real live conversation for Brisbane. Barring anything else happening in the next week, I'd be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Selection Dilemmas Emerge for Adelaide Test</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Cummins' return to the Australia cricket squad creates compelling selection challenges for the coaching staff, particularly regarding bowling balance.&nbsp;</p> <p>With Nathan Lyon also positioned for a comeback after missing the pink-ball encounter in favour of Michael Neser's all-pace attack, at least two bowlers from Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, and the impressive Neser are likely to miss selection for Adelaide.</p> <p>Neser's maiden Test five-wicket haul in Brisbane's second innings has strengthened his claims, presenting selectors with a quality headache as they finalise their bowling combination for the day-night Test.</p> <p>The Ashes series has already claimed significant casualties, with Josh Hazlewood ruled out for the remainder after suffering an Achilles tendon injury during hamstring rehabilitation. England face similar concerns with Mark Wood departing due to recurring left knee problems.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Khawaja's Potential Return Adds Batting Flexibility</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Veteran opener Usman Khawaja retains his place in the expanded 15-man squad despite ongoing back concerns, with McDonald indicating the 38-year-old should be available for selection.&nbsp;</p> <p>Khawaja's potential return presents intriguing batting order possibilities, particularly given his historical success at the number three position.</p> <p>The opening combination of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald has impressed throughout the series, putting England's new-ball bowlers under sustained pressure. McDonald hasn't ruled out Khawaja returning to the middle order, where he accumulated significant experience across 44 Tests before his 2022 comeback as opener.</p> <p>Josh Inglis, who replaced Khawaja for the second Test, contributed 23 runs before falling to Ben Stokes, but faces an uncertain future with the veteran's likely return.</p> <p>Australia's dominant position provides selectors with luxury choices as they target series victory at Adelaide Oval. With the fourth Test at the MCG following on Boxing Day and the series concluding at the SCG in January, Cummins' return couldn't be better timed for the crucial final stretch of this Ashes campaign.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Ashes 2025/26&nbsp; Series Betting Odds</h2> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/the-ashes">Click here to view all our live markets and bet on The Ashes with Sportsbet</a></p>