Australian veteran Usman Khawaja remains in the frame for selection for the third Ashes Test after being included in the squad for Adelaide headlined by the return of captain Pat Cummins.
Khawaja was left out of the second Test XI after struggling with a back injury during the series opener in Perth, and new opener Jake Weatherald broke through with his first half century at the Gabba.
The end of the 38-year-old’s international career will have to wait however, after he was named in Australia’s 15-player squad for the third Test beginning 17 December.
Travis Head has starred alongside Weatherald at the top of the order making Khawaja’s return as an opener unlikely, although his versatility could still win him a place batting down the order.
Beneath Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith at Nos 3 and 4 there remains uncertainty around the makeup of Australia’s lineup, as they travel to Adelaide looking to wrap up the series.
In Brisbane, Cameron Green batted at No 5 ahead of Alex Carey and Josh Inglis. The latter scored a quick 23 in the first innings and pulled off a remarkable runout but was otherwise a peripheral figure.
Alongside Khawaja, all-rounder Beau Webster is pushing for inclusion as a middle-order bat and bowling option. His skillset may be of interest to selectors if they have concerns over Cummins’ ability to get through a full load during his return match, or if other frontline bowlers including Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are facing niggles.
Carey, who starred in the second Test, said the team has started the series well, but there were “lots of ways” to improve. “To come into Adelaide 2-0 is a good position to be in, the series is definitely not over and we understand that,” he said. “We know that England are a very good cricket team.”
Australia were in an identical position after two Tests in the 2023 Ashes in England, but faded to draw the series 2-2. “We weren’t able to win that series [but] we were good enough to retain the Ashes,” he said. “So for us, we’re really excited for the opportunity we’ve got, but also understand we’ve got to continue to play good cricket.”
Both fringe fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, who took five wickets in the second innings on his homeground in Brisbane, may be overlooked thanks to the return of Cummins and the likely re-introduction of Nathan Lyon.
The off-spinner was left out of an Australian team in a home Test for the first time in 13 years in Brisbane but is expected to be included in the team in Adelaide.
Josh Hazlewood, who missed the first two Tests with a hamstring injury, was ruled out of the series on Tuesday after suffering an injury setback related to his calf area.
However, Cummins – who last played against the West Indies in July – is set to return following a lower back issue, and has been named captain.
“It looks like he’s moving really well,” Carey said. “He’s been around the group the whole time with lots of energy.”
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson will train with the team in Adelaide as he continues to return to full fitness after shoulder surgery in January.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
