Ashes: Pat Cummins returns as Australia announce squad for third Test

NEW DELHI: Pat Cummins has returned to Australia's squad as the Ashes moves to Adelaide, with the hosts holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. The Australia captain has taken a significant step towards making his international comeback after being named in a 15-player squad for the third Ashes Test against England.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Cummins has not played international cricket since the third Test against the West Indies in July, but the 32-year-old appears to have overcome the lingering issues related to his troublesome back. He is slated to return in Adelaide on December 17 for the next clash in the five-match ICC World Test Championship series.

Australia’s squad announcement on Wednesday contained no major surprises. Experienced batter Usman Khawaja has been retained as he works to reclaim his place in the playing XI following his own injury setback.All-rounder Beau Webster and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon have also been named in the 15-member squad after missing out on selection for the second Test in Brisbane, which Australia won by eight wickets. Both are in contention for a recall alongside Cummins for the Adelaide Test.Australia coach Andrew McDonald suggested that Cummins was close to featuring in the Brisbane Test and is now almost a certainty for Adelaide."We feel as though he (Cummins) will be as best prepared as can be," McDonald said.

"He was well ahead of where we thought he'd be at and it did create a real live conversation for (Cummins playing in) Brisbane."It was debated a lot leading into that Test match. With that in mind, us seeing him further advanced, we feel he'll be really well placed for the challenges of Adelaide albeit (it's still) a long way off."We feel as though the simulation in the nets has got 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."

Australia squad for third Test:

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