ADELAIDE: Pat Cummins has confirmed two changes to Australia’s side for the third Ashes Test, with he and Nathan Lyon returning to the team.
The addition of those two means Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett miss out, while Usman Khawaja also won’t play.
Travis Head faced new balls at the nets during Tuesday’s optional session, and Cummins said “we were pretty happy” with the batting line-up at his press conference.
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Head and Jake Weatherald were the two who were last out of the nets, with Cummins confirming Josh Inglis will stay at No.7 in the batting order.
The Australian captain explained the Khawaja call ultimately came down to Head’s performance in Perth.
“I think the big thing that’s shifted on us was Trav opening after that first Test and how good that’s looked with Weathers,” Cummins said.
“We were pretty happy with that batting lineup and didn’t feel a need to change the middle order.”
Asked if Head could be a long-term opener for Australia, Cummins said he wasn’t looking that far ahead.
“At the moment, it makes sense now, that might change,” he said.
”In the past, he’s done bits and bobs on different tours where it felt like it made sense. He’ll do this week. Each week, you look at what this game needs, but it feels like with the current line-up, we’ve got plenty of flexibility in the squad. Who knows, but it looks pretty good at the moment.”
Cummins said Khawaja’s reaction had been about the team and made mention of the others who missed out.
“He’s a real team man, he’ll do whatever the team needs,” he said.
“It’s not only Uzzy, [but] you’ve got Beau Webster [who] has missed out on these three Tests, Neser got a five-wicket haul [and] Doggett playing the first two Tests and doing really well. There’s a disappointed group of players, but they’ve all been fantastic around the group.”
Cummins did say he can “absolutely see a path back” for Khawaja.
The fast bowler also stated he won’t be on bowling restrictions after missing out on the first two Tests through injury.
Steve Smith also missed training on Monday due to illness, but returned to the nets for the optional Tuesday session.
