The Ashes 2025-26 series has been a masterclass in Australian dominance, but a crucial piece of their puzzle was missing: their captain, Pat Cummins. Now, with the series lead firmly at 2-0, the big question on every cricket fan’s mind has been answered. Cummins is set to make his highly anticipated Pat Cummins Ashes comeback for the third Test in Adelaide.
Table of Contents
- The Official Announcement: Cummins Is Back
- The Injury and the Road to Recovery
- McDonald’s Confidence in His Captain
- Analyzing the Australia Ashes Squad for Adelaide
- What Cummins’ Return Means for the Ashes
- Conclusion: A Calculated Risk
- Sources
The Official Announcement: Cummins Is Back
Cricket Australia has officially named a 15-man squad for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, and the headline is unmistakable: captain Pat Cummins is back in the fold . This marks his first inclusion in the squad since being ruled out of the series opener in Perth due to a persistent back stress injury . His return is a massive boost for a team that has already showcased its depth and resilience by winning the first two Tests without its leader.
The Injury and the Road to Recovery
Cummins’ journey back to fitness has been a closely watched saga. The fast bowler was candid about his chances early on, admitting he was “less than likely” to feature in the Perth Test . The injury, a lower-back stress issue, is a significant concern for any pace bowler, requiring careful management to prevent long-term damage . While he was hopeful of a return for the Gabba Test (the second match), the medical team and coaching staff opted for a more cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term health over a rushed return . Now, after a full Test match to observe his recovery and a clean bill of health, the all-clear has been given for Adelaide.
McDonald’s Confidence in His Captain
Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, has been a steady voice throughout Cummins’ recovery. While he admitted in the lead-up to the series that “time is running out” for the captain to prove his fitness for the opener , his recent tone has shifted to one of clear confidence. Though specific recent quotes are under wraps, the very act of naming him in the squad is the ultimate endorsement from McDonald. It signals that Cummins has not only passed the medical assessments but has also convinced the coaching staff of his readiness to handle the physical and mental demands of Test cricket. This trust between captain and coach is a cornerstone of Australia’s current success.
Analyzing the Australia Ashes Squad for Adelaide
The squad announcement wasn’t just about Cummins. It also saw the return of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon and all-rounder Beau Webster, who were both absent from the previous Test . This brings a more balanced and experienced look to the side. However, the return of Cummins has a significant ripple effect. It creates a formidable pace attack, likely seeing Scott Boland or another bowler make way, given that Mitchell Starc and the in-form Michael Neser have held their spots brilliantly in his absence.
The key absentee now is Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to an Achilles injury . This elevates Cummins’ role from just captain to a critical part of the bowling unit, tasked with leading the attack on the demanding Adelaide pitch.
What Cummins’ Return Means for the Ashes
Cummins’ presence is more than just another wicket-taking option. As captain, his on-field leadership, tactical acumen, and ability to marshal his troops are irreplaceable. His return injects a new layer of strategic depth that Steve Smith, who led in his absence, won’t have to shoulder alone.
For England, this is a daunting prospect. They were already on the back foot, and now they must contend with a full-strength, and more importantly, a fully-led, Australian side. Cummins’ ability to break partnerships with his relentless line and length could be the final nail in England’s coffin for this series.
However, his return isn’t without a shadow of risk. Cummins himself has hinted at a “high-risk element” associated with his comeback . Managing his workload in Adelaide will be paramount. Cricket Australia and the team management will be walking a tightrope, balancing the desire to close out the series with the need to protect their most valuable asset for the future.
Conclusion: A Calculated Risk
The return of Pat Cummins for the third Ashes Test is a powerful statement from Australia. It shows their intent to not just win the series, but to do so with their best team on the field. While his back injury remains a factor that requires careful monitoring, the confidence from both the player and the coaching staff, led by Andrew McDonald, suggests they believe the reward far outweighs the risk. For fans of the game, a fully-fit Cummins leading his troops in an Ashes Test is a sight to behold, and it promises to make the Adelaide Test an unmissable spectacle. Follow all the latest from the series on our comprehensive [INTERNAL_LINK:Ashes 2025 coverage] page.