On Tuesday, December 16, the Australia National Cricket Team announced their playing XI for the third Test of the five-match Ashes series against England National Cricket Team.

Australia National Cricket Team have received two massive boosts for the third match of the Ashes 2025-26 as their skipper Pat Cummins has returned to the team alongside the legendary spinner Nathan Lyon.

Usman Khawaja faces ruthless snub

Australia are leading the Ashes 2025-26 2-0, having dominantly won the first two matches. They would be looking forward to clinching the series in the third match in Adelaide.

The selection committee and the team management have decided to keep Usman Khawaja out of the playing XI despite the veteran opener finally returning to full fitness.

This means Jake Weatherald and Travis Head will continue to open the innings, and Josh Inglis will keep his spot in the middle order.

Meanwhile, skipper Pat Cummins has been directly slotted back in the playing XI after achieving full fitness. Also, spinner Nathan Lyon is back after missing the last match. The duo have replaced Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett in the side.

It didn't feel like it needed to change in the middle order - Pat Cummins

Speaking ahead of the third Test, captain Pat Cummins said that there was no need to make changes to the middle order. He stated:

"I think the big thing that's shifted on us is probably Trav opening after that first Test and how good that has looked with the Weathers, so we're pretty happy with that batting line-up. It didn't feel like it needed to change in the middle order.

"So far it's looked like they [Head and Weatherald] have been able to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Whatever has been thrown at them, they've had an answer to. It's really set up the platform for our innings.

"I think you've seen people like Marnus [Labuschagne] and Steve [Smith] walk in after that as well and really get on the back of that and start their innings well. I don't know if it's scrambled the opposition, but it's certainly kind of got that momentum, kept that scoreboard ticking over and started our innings brilliantly."

Also, Pat Cummins didn't shut the door on Usman Khawaja's comeback and said that he could still return. Cummins said:

"Yeah, potentially. I think the selectors have been quite adamant [that] we're picking a side each week, it doesn't necessarily mean it's got to be exactly the same team as the previous week. We do that with the bowlers this week.

"Obviously, Nathan Lyon's coming back in. One of Uzzie's great strengths he's scored runs at the top, he's scored runs in the middle. If we didn't think he'd be good enough to come straight in, then he wouldn't be here in the squad. So, absolutely, I can see a path back at some point, if needed."

The skipper was also impressed with the way his team managed to take a 2-0 lead even in the absence of him and Josh Hazlewood. He stated:

"Incredible, I think it shows just great depth in the Aussie cricket system at the moment with fast bowlers," he said. "When I said it's almost worked out perfectly...we're halfway through a series, I've come back on line, you've got Ness and Doggy who are resting from this week, but they've obviously got themselves into the series and are available for the last two games.

Australia Playing XI for the third Ashes Test:

1 Jake Weatherald, 2 Travis Head, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Cameron Green, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Josh Inglis, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Scott Boland