Australia stand just one victory away from retaining the Ashes on home soil once again. With a 2–0 lead already secured, the third Test in Adelaide from 17 December presents a golden chance for the hosts to wrap up the series early and continue their dominance over England.
But as excitement builds, the Australian camp has been rocked by a frustrating mix of delight and disaster. The good news is monumental — captain Pat Cummins is finally fit again, set to lead the side after nearly five months away due to a persistent back injury. However, the joy has been dampened by a major setback: Josh Hazlewood, one of the most reliable fast bowlers in Test cricket, has been ruled out of the entire series with an Achilles issue.
Cummins had been itching to return ever since the first Test at Perth. His last appearance for Australia came in July, and his absence has been a matter of concern both tactically and symbolically. Head coach Andrew McDonald has now confirmed that the skipper has completed his recovery without any red flags ahead of Adelaide. According to him, there had even been a realistic chance to include Cummins in the Brisbane Test. “His body is ready,” McDonald assured. “Unless something unexpected happens next week, I fully expect Pat to walk out for the toss wearing that blazer once again.”
While the leadership returns, Australia must cope without Hazlewood — a calm, destructive force who has repeatedly tormented England throughout his career. His return from a hamstring problem was delayed earlier in the series, and now a troubling Achilles injury has ended his participation prematurely. McDonald expressed deep disappointment for the bowler who turns 34 soon: “It’s heartbreaking for Josh. We were confident he would play a big role in this Ashes. Instead, the injury has taken a direction we did not anticipate. Now the priority is his recovery for the T20 World Cup — an extremely crucial campaign for us.”
The sudden change leaves Australia’s fast-bowling plans slightly uncertain. At a time when Mitchell Starc is firing and the young guns like Lance Morris press for opportunities, Hazlewood’s experience will be sorely missed in the pressure-filled middle overs when England seek aggressive counter-attacks.
Meanwhile, there is positive progress in another corner. Usman Khawaja is expected to be fit for Adelaide after missing the Brisbane Test. However, his guaranteed spot at the top of the order — something unquestioned for years — is now under serious debate. Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, the new opening duo, have been exceptional in the first two Tests, putting on partnerships exceeding 70 runs on both occasions and immediately placing England on the back foot.
McDonald hinted that selectors may consider shifting Khawaja into the middle order if necessary. But concerns remain. The veteran left-hander turns 39 during the Adelaide Test, and selectors have been worried over both his form dip and fitness reliability. Should he play, Khawaja will become the first Australian in 40 years to appear in a Test at age 39.
With David Warner’s retirement earlier this year, Australia struggled to find a stable opening pair — producing just three fifty-plus stands in the previous 14 Tests. Ironically, one of those came from Khawaja and Head in Sri Lanka. Yet Head-Weatherald seem to have seized the moment perfectly, leaving selectors facing a tough but exciting dilemma.
The Ashes narrative has once again taken a dramatic turn — a returning hero, a fallen warrior, and a selection battle looming as Australia eye the trophy in Adelaide.
