Pat Cummins, the Australian stalwart fast bowler and one of the greatest in his calibre, is all set to lead Australia after five months, as he has been added to the Australian squad for the Test squad for third test of the Ashes in Adelaide from December 17. Cummins missed cricket for five months and also the first two tests of the Ashes for his lumbar back stress injury. The Adelaide test match is going to be his first appearance since the third test against West Indies in Sabina Park in July this year.
"He was well ahead of where we thought he'd be at, and it did create a real live conversation for Brisbane with that in mind, us seeing him further advanced, we feel he'll be really well placed for the challenges of Adelaide...We feel as though the simulation in the nets has him skill-ready. His body's ready to go. Barring anything else happening in the next week, I'd be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on,” head coach Andrew McDonald said as quoted by cricbuzz.
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Senior players returned to the squad
The Australian captain was all set to be picked up at the highest level for the match in Brisbane, but at that time, he was not fully match fit, just performing better than expected, and was bowling a couple of spells to be ready for the third test.
With the inclusion of Pat Cummins, Smith is all set to play as a batter who leads the team to win in the first two tests in the series. Usman Khawaja also made a comeback in the team after a short break for his back injury. The comeback of senior players will surely boost the confidence of the team.
Right now, the Kangaroos are leading the series with 2 wins in two matches.
Australian squad for the third XI
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
