Pat Cummins missed the last two games against England with a back injury but has officially returned as captain of Australia’s side, which will go on to win the series in Adelaide next week.
Cummins has been suffering from a back problem and missed the eight-wicket wins over England in Perth and Brisbane, leading to a 2-0 lead heading into the match against Adelaide Oval on 17 December.
Josh Hazlewood, usually the first choice in the bowling attack along with Cummins and Mitchell Starc, was ruled out of the team for the rest of the series with an Achilles tendon and hamstring injury.
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Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain says England need to show who they are after “bowing under pressure” after heavy Ashes defeats in Perth and Brisbane
Pace bowler Michael Nether retained his place after joining the Brisbane squad as an injury substitute at the expense of spinner Nathan Ryan.
Queensland State, who won 5-42 in the second innings at the Gabba, may not get a chance to display their skills in Adelaide, but Cummins and Ryan are expected to be in the squad.
Nether and Brendan Doggett, who made their debut in the series opener in Perth, are likely to make way for the famous duo as Australia look to wrap up the series with two games remaining.
Cummins was the only addition to the 15-man squad, with opener Usman Khawaja retaining his spot despite being left out of the squad in Brisbane with a back problem.
“We feel he’s going to be as prepared as he can be,” Australia manager Andrew McDonald said of Cummins.
“I feel like his skills are ready with the online simulations. His body is ready. Unless something else happens next week, I expect Pat to flip a coin and wear the blazer.”
“He seems to be moving really well, you’ve probably seen it online,” Alex Carey said.
“He was always around the group and had a lot of energy, so if he is available the selectors will definitely put him in.”
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Captain Ben Stokes insists England have not given up hope of winning the Ashes, but admits England could not withstand the pressure from Australia.
Carey backs England on coastal reset amid Australian media storm
Alex Carey says he supports cricketers’ right to take a step back during the sport’s most intense battle.
England’s decision to take a break midway through the Ashes on the Sunshine Coast drew an onslaught in the Australian media, but rival wicketkeeper Carey defended their right to “refresh their batteries”.
The touring team’s four-day trip to the beach resort of Noosa, which had long been part of their two-month itinerary, was thrown into jeopardy as they fell 2-0 down following defeats in Perth and Adelaide.
England were followed by photographers, TV reporters and writers who filmed the players ordering beers and relaxing on the beach as they played a round.
Images were accompanied by headlines such as “The sun is gone, we’ve run away,” “Even if you sink the Poms, life is still a beach,” and “We’re too ready for the last minute.”
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Meanwhile, Carey spoke out in support of cricketers’ right to take a step back during the sport’s most intense battle.
“The Ashes are so competitive that you don’t want to be thinking about cricket every day on tour. A little break would be a good time to refresh your batteries,” he said.
“This is a fairly large series and there is quite a bit of time between matches. The Australian cricket team can go home for a few days and spend time with their families, so the touring team has to find time to fill that little bit of time.
“It’s completely up to the touring group to find some way to take their mind off cricket. It’s not new what English players are doing to take a break.
“And if the media wants to follow a particular team, that’s completely up to the media. We understand that that comes with the privilege of playing the game.
“We’re in a very fortunate position where we play professional sports and people want to follow the process.”
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