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Cummins set to lead Australia in pivotal Ashes clash
Australia's captain Pat Cummins will make his first appearance in this year's Ashes series as England face a do-or-die third Test in Adelaide, with victory essential to keep their hopes of reclaiming the urn alive.
England's backs against the wall
Trailing 2-0 after defeats in the opening Tests, England must win in Adelaide to avoid a fourth consecutive Ashes series loss in Australia and extend their 12-year wait to regain the trophy. A defeat would intensify scrutiny on captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum, and managing director Rob Key.
Stokes acknowledged the magnitude of the moment, telling BBC Sport: "Throughout my career I've been involved in quite a few big moments. This is another one and I'm really, really looking forward to it."
"I've enjoyed the build-up, I've enjoyed the pressure of what this game means. As it's come closer and closer, it's become a lot easier. That's how I deal with big things and big moments - look at it front on, take it on and deal with all the emotions that come with it."
Ben Stokes, England captain
Australia's team selection surprises
Cummins returns from a back injury that sidelined him for the first two Tests, replacing Michael Neser in the XI. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon also rejoins the squad, taking the place of Brendan Doggett. Notably, opener Usman Khawaja, who missed the second Test due to back spasms, remains omitted despite turning 39 on Thursday. His absence raises questions about the future of his 85-Test career.
Australia's unchanged opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald will continue, with Cummins expressing confidence in his fitness to bowl without restrictions in Adelaide's forecasted high temperatures.
"I had 16 weeks completely off bowling, made sure the bone heals well and from there it's ramping up. Normally you ramp up over maybe three or four months, but that would have meant missing the Ashes. We set on a pretty aggressive plan to get up in six or seven weeks. I haven't had any hiccups. I'm feeling great, probably better than I would have thought."
Pat Cummins, Australia captain
England's lone change amid mounting pressure
England have made one alteration to their lineup, with pace bowler Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson. All-rounder Will Jacks retains his spot, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir remains overlooked. Stokes' leadership has come under the microscope, particularly after his remark that the England dressing room is "no place for weak men."
The tourists spent part of the break on holiday in Noosa before resuming training in Adelaide. Stokes admitted that some newer squad members have struggled with the series' intensity, noting: "I've got an understanding that quite a few guys in the dressing room won't have that to fall back on. What I feel like I've had to do is fall back on my own experiences, and voice that to the group."
Stakes and expectations
England's recent form has been inconsistent, with 16 wins and 15 losses in their last 33 Tests under Stokes and McCullum. Their inability to win a five-Test series against Australia or India has added to the pressure. With key players like Mark Wood ruled out due to injury, Stokes remains one of only four squad members with prior Ashes experience in Australia.
Stokes emphasized the need for resilience, stating: "Expectations around what we want to see this week - I've spoken a lot about fight, determination and grit over the last couple of days. I hope we're going to see a completely different thing, purely because of the situation we find ourselves in here."
The third Test begins on Wednesday at 23:30 GMT Tuesday, with temperatures expected to challenge both teams.
Teams
Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
