Sports - Cricket
No place for Khawaja as Australia name third Test XI
Australia have recalled Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for the third Ashes Test, but veteran opener Usman Khawaja has been left out as Travis Head’s promotion continues to pay dividends.
Australia has confirmed two changes for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, but there is no place for veteran opener Usman Khawaja, whose Test future now appears uncertain just days out from his 39th birthday.
Captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon return to the XI for the match starting Wednesday, with Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett omitted.
Australia can retain the Ashes with a win or draw at Adelaide Oval, but Khawaja will play no role after being left out following a difficult start to the series.
The 85-Test opener missed the second Test in Brisbane due to back spasms, an issue that also affected him in Perth where he was unable to open in the first innings and did not bat in the successful run chase.
In Khawaja's absence, Travis Head moved to the top of the order and scored a rapid century, reshaping Australia's batting balance.
Cummins said Khawaja still had a future in the side despite modest recent returns, having failed to pass 50 in his past 11 Test innings.
Cummins described Khawaja as a strong team man and stressed that several players were disappointed to miss out, including Beau Webster, Neser and Doggett.
He said Australia's depth had been critical throughout the series and praised the squad's collective buy in.
Coach Andrew McDonald rejected suggestions that Khawaja's age influenced selection, saying the team would not place end dates on players.
He said Khawaja remained highly valued and part of Australia's plans for the remainder of the series.
While the decision does not definitively end Khawaja's Test career, Head's success at the top of the order has made change difficult. Cummins said the current batting structure felt right for now but acknowledged flexibility would remain week to week.
Cummins will play his first Test since July after recovering from a back injury, while Steve Smith has also been cleared after minor concerns in training.
Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
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