Usman Khawaja has been left out of Australia’s XI for the third Test in Adelaide, a decision that raises the possibility that he may have already played his final match for the national side. Selectors have chosen to stick with the positive momentum generated by the Jake Weatherald–Travis Head opening combination.
As expected, captain Pat Cummins and off-spinner Nathan Lyon return to the team, replacing Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett.
Khawaja missed the second Test in Brisbane after failing to recover from the back spasms he sustained in Perth, which prevented him from opening in either innings of the first Test. Earlier this week, the 38-year-old said he was fully fit and keen to retain his place. While a move to the middle order had been discussed, selectors opted to keep Josh Inglis in the lineup and persist with Weatherald and Head at the top.
The decision has been influenced by the success of the new opening pair. They put on 75 in the second innings chase in Perth and followed that up with a 77-run stand in the first innings at the Gabba, putting early pressure on England’s bowlers.
“I think the big thing that’s shifted is Trav opening after that first Test and how good that’s looked with the Weathers,” Cummins said ahead of his first appearance of the series following a back injury. “We’re really happy with that batting line-up. It didn’t feel like the middle order needed to change.
“So far they’ve been able to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Whatever’s been thrown at them, they’ve had an answer. It’s set up our innings brilliantly.”
Cummins added that the strong starts had benefited the rest of the batting order. “You’ve seen Marnus and Steve walk in with momentum and really get on top early. I don’t know if it’s scrambled the opposition, but it’s definitely kept things moving and given us a great platform.”
Khawaja turns 39 during the Adelaide Test and has averaged 31.84 since the 2023 Ashes, scoring just one century in 45 innings.
When asked if Khawaja could still find his way back into the side, Cummins left the door open. “Potentially, yes. The selectors have been clear that we pick a team week by week. Nathan Lyon’s coming back in this week, for example.
“One of Uzzie’s great strengths is that he’s scored runs at both the top and in the middle order. If we didn’t think he was good enough to come straight back in, he wouldn’t be in the squad. So absolutely, there’s a path back if needed.”
Cummins also praised Australia’s depth after taking a 2–0 series lead despite significant injury setbacks, including his own delayed return and Josh Hazlewood being ruled out for the remainder of the series.
“It’s incredible and really shows the depth of Australian cricket, especially with fast bowlers,” he said. “We’re halfway through the series, I’m back, and Neser and Doggett have both played their part and are available again later.
“You’ve got Jhye Richardson bowling in the background. It feels like we’re not just hanging on at the end of a series — we’re actually building towards something.”
He added that the success was a credit not only to the players who stepped in, but also to the coaching staff and Steve Smith’s on-field management.
