Australia captain Pat Cummins is on track to return for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide after being named in a 15-man squad on Wednesday.
Cummins is the only change from the group that secured an eight-wicket win in Brisbane to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The 32-year-old has not played since the tour of the West Indies in July because of a lower back injury, but coach Andrew McDonald said the fast bowler was close to full fitness.
“We feel as though he’ll be as best prepared as can be,” McDonald said.
The Aussies have also announced Western Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson will join the squad in Adelaide to continue building capacity as part of his return to play program.
Richardson had shoulder surgery in January and is on the comeback trail, playing for the Cricket Australia XI in Perth and again for Australia A in Brisbane last week.
He will join the group in Adelaide to continue his preparations with the Australian coaching group and medical staff following a 10-month period of rehabilitation.
Usman Khawaja has been retained despite missing the second Test with a back issue.
Jhye Richardson celebrates the wicket of Haseeb Hameed in 2021. (Photo by Mark Brake – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
The veteran opener has been under pressure for form and fitness but remains part of the squad for the match beginning December 17 at Adelaide Oval.
Nathan Lyon is expected to return to the XI after being left out in Brisbane, where Australia opted for an all-pace attack under lights at the Gabba.
The series will head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test after Adelaide, before concluding in Sydney from January 4.
Australia squad for third Test: Pat Cummins (capt), 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.