Adelaide, 16 December (H.S.): Australia has dramatically reshaped its lineup for Wednesday's third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, dropping veteran opener Usman Khawaja while reinstating captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon after injury and rotation absences.

Weatherald-Head Duo Retained Amid Khawaja's Uncertain Future

Selectors backed the aggressive opening partnership of Jake Weatherald and Travis Head, who forged stands of 75 and 77 runs across Perth and Brisbane, to maintain pressure on England's bowlers despite Khawaja declaring full fitness post-back spasms.

Khawaja, turning 39 during the match, averages just 31.84 since the 2023 Ashes with one century in 45 innings, fueling speculation this omission signals the end of his 118-Test career.

Cummins affirmed pathways remain open, praising Khawaja's top- and middle-order versatility in Tuesday's press conference.

Bowling Reinforcements Seal Two Key Changes

Cummins returns from a back injury that sidelined him for the first two Tests—both Australian wins by innings and eight wickets, respectively—while Lyon reclaims his spot after Brisbane omission, ousting Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett.

This bolsters a pace-spin mix alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, with Josh Inglis holding No.7 to preserve middle-order stability. Steve Smith, recovering from Monday's illness, led nets Tuesday.

Australia XI Locked In for Series-Clinching Push

Australia leads 2-0, eyeing the fastest urn retention in over a century with a four-day Adelaide triumph.

Playing XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar