Australia will get back their regular captain for the Adelaide Test, but another experienced pacer has been ruled out for the entire series.
After a long period of rehab and careful waiting, Pat Cummins is finally set to return to the Ashes. He will don the baggy green and blazer to lead Australia in the toss at the Adelaide Test. But the news is disappointing for Josh Hazlewood, who misses the remaining three Tests after sitting out the first two due to injury.
Australia defeated England in the first two Tests without these two key players. On December 17, they will take the field again in Adelaide aiming to secure the Ashes.
Having Cummins back will strengthen Australia’s chances considerably. Since the Test series against the West Indies in July, he has not played any cricket due to injury. There was a slight chance he might feature in the Brisbane Test, but the team management decided not to take any risks.
In his absence, Steven Smith led the side brilliantly. But Cummins is not only the captain; he is also a seasoned pacer with over 300 wickets to his name.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Cummins’ return on Tuesday. Despite not playing for five months, McDonald believes the 32-year-old has had adequate preparation.
“His body is ready now, and unless something new happens next week, I expect Pat to put on the blazer and lead the toss,” McDonald said.
“Pat hasn’t had any match practice. After a long break in the past, we have always taken time to rebuild his body carefully. While everyone was at the Gabba, he trained at the Allan Border Field, simulating match situations and bowling in various spells. We feel he has had the best possible preparation.”
Earlier, the coach had expressed hope regarding Hazlewood, saying he expected the pacer to feature at some point in the Ashes. But while recovering from a hamstring injury, Hazlewood suffered a new Achilles injury. McDonald confirmed that the 34-year-old will miss the series.
“Unfortunately, Josh will not be part of this Ashes. It’s really disappointing for him. He has suffered a couple of setbacks that were unexpected. We had anticipated a major role for him in this series.”
“This is a completely different type of injury, affecting the calf and Achilles area. His rehab and preparation will now shift towards the T20 World Cup, which is a very important tournament for us.”
Hazlewood had strained his hamstring while playing in a Sheffield Shield match last month as part of Ashes preparation. The new injury has delayed another significant milestone for him—he needs just five wickets to reach 300 in Tests.
Australia is expected to announce the Adelaide Test squad on Tuesday. Only Cummins will be added to the previous 15-man squad. This means Usman Khawaja will retain his place. Cummins and Nathan Lyon are certain to return to the playing XI, which will likely see Brendan Doggett dropped. One more pacer will miss out, either Scott Boland or Michael Neser. Following Australian cricket tradition, Boland is more likely to keep his place; Neser may miss out despite taking five wickets in Brisbane.
Khawaja’s situation will also be closely watched. He missed the last Test due to back stiffness and had also struggled to open in previous matches. In his absence, the Travis Head–Jack Weatherald opening partnership has done well.
The 39-year-old Khawaja’s form has already been under scrutiny, and his place in the XI is now uncertain. Even if he returns, there is a possibility he may play in the middle order instead of opening, replacing Josh Inglis.
Mitchell Starc had some physical discomfort at the end of the Brisbane Test, but he overcame it and remains in excellent form.
