Cummins, who last played a Test match in July against the West Indies, is set to resume his leadership role after missing Australia's victories in Perth and Brisbane.
His return comes at a critical juncture, with Australia holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series and the Adelaide Test offering a chance to secure the Ashes urn.
Captain's Comeback Bolsters Bowling Attack
The 32-year-old fast bowler's recovery progressed ahead of schedule, creating what coach Andrew McDonald described as a "real live conversation" about playing him in the second Test at the Gabba. Instead, the team opted for caution, allowing Cummins to intensify his training.
"His body's ready to go," McDonald stated confidently. "Barring anything else happening in the next week, I'd be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on.".
Cummins' return significantly strengthens an Australian attack that has already dominated England. He brings considerable Ashes experience, having taken 91 wickets at an average of 24.10 across 19 Tests against England.
Hazlewood's Series Ends in Injury Disappointment
While Cummins prepares for his comeback, teammate Josh Hazlewood faces the opposite fate. The reliable paceman has been ruled out for the rest of the series after suffering setbacks in his recovery from a hamstring injury, compounded by a fresh Achilles-related issue.
"It's really flat for him," McDonald said. "A couple of setbacks we didn't see coming. We thought he'd play a huge part in the series.". Hazlewood's focus will now shift to preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Australia's Squad for Adelaide Test: Pat Cummins (c), 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.
Selection Headaches and Adelaide Strategy
Cummins' inclusion is the only change to the 15-player squad that secured victory in Brisbane, creating several selection dilemmas.
Veteran batter Usman Khawaja retains his place as he recovers from a back injury. With the new opening partnership of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald succeeding in Brisbane, McDonald hinted Khawaja might return to the middle order, where he has extensive experience.
Spin also returns to the conversation for the Adelaide Oval, a ground where Nathan Lyon has taken more Test wickets than at any other venue worldwide. After being dropped for the pink-ball Test in Brisbane—a decision that left him "absolutely filthy"—Lyon is expected to play a significant role.
"We still do value spin," McDonald emphasized, addressing Lyon's omission directly. "I think Nathan's going to have an incredibly huge impact in the last three Test matches.".
Series Snapshot & Match Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Series Status | Australia leads 2-0 |
| Next Match | 3rd Test, Day-Night |
| Venue | Adelaide Oval |
| Start Date | December 17, 2025 |
| Key Addition | Pat Cummins returns as captain |
| Key Absence | Josh Hazlewood (series) |
With nine days between Tests, McDonald indicated Australia would field their strongest available attack in Adelaide, with considerations about bowler rest likely deferred until the fourth and fifth matches.
The third Ashes Test begins at the Adelaide Oval on December 17, with Australia positioned to reclaim the Ashes with a victory.
