Australian opener Usman Khawaja has been omitted from the squad for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, sparking speculation that he may have played his final match for Australia.
As anticipated, captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon return to the side, replacing Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett.
Khawaja, who turns 39 during the Adelaide Test, has averaged 31.84 since the 2023 Ashes, scoring one century in 45 innings. His exclusion marks a significant selection decision ahead of the crucial encounter.
The Australian opener missed the pink-ball encounter against England due to a back problem, and was also unable to open in either of the innings in Perth last month.
Australia named the following XI for the third Test:
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
The third Ashes Test gets underway tonight, Tuesday December 16, at 7:30 p.m. Caribbean time.
Australia currently lead the five-match series 2–0.
