Australia lead the Ashes 2025/26 by a clear 2 to 0 margin after strong wins in Perth and Brisbane. With the series under control, the focus has shifted to team balance for the third Test in Adelaide.
Usman Khawaja has been passed fit after missing the first two Tests because of back spasms. His return adds experience, but it also creates a good problem for the selectors.
In his absence, Travis Head moved up to open with Jake Weatherald. The pair has done well and given Australia fast starts. Head even hinted he is ready to stay at the top if the team wants that. He joked that if he opens again with Weatherald, “we’ll claim him as a South Australian”.
Coach Andrew McDonald said the team will choose the best option for the moment. He said, “We’ll always ask ourselves what the best line up is for that point in time.” He added that the red ball in Adelaide may guide their thinking, and the final call will come closer to the match.
Khawaja has opened for years, but McDonald also noted he could slip into the middle order if needed. This keeps the door open for Australia to continue with the in form Head and Weatherald partnership without dropping a senior player.
Pat Cummins will continue as captain as Australia aim to push England further back in the series. With confidence high and no major weaknesses to fix, the team is simply working out how to keep a winning formula going in Adelaide.