Pat Cummins returns for Adelaide Test:Josh Hazlewood out of remaining Ashes series due to injury; Usman Khawaja also fit

Australia captain Pat Cummins will be seen leading the team in the Adelaide Test, which is scheduled to take place next week from December 17. Meanwhile, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the entire Ashes series due to injury. He will now focus on regaining fitness before the T20 World Cup. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year in February-March. Coach Andrew McDonald stated that Cummins is fully fit and ready to play in Adelaide. He said that his body is ready. If there are no issues by next week, he will toss and take over the captaincy. He also clarified that Hazlewood will not be able to return to the series. He has been rested due to a hamstring issue earlier and now a problem with the muscles near his heel. McDonald said, ‘This is very disappointing for Hazlewood. We had hoped he would play a big role in the series, but due to the new injury, he will now focus on preparing for the T20 World Cup.’ Khawaja fit, can play in the middle order Usman Khawaja will be fit for the Adelaide Test. The coach indicated that in his absence, the new opening pair of Travis Head-Jake Weatherald is performing better. In such a situation, if needed, the option of sending Khawaja to the middle order is also open. Khawaja had a back injury in the first Test. He was also out of the second Test. Australia 2–0 ahead Led by stand-in captain Steve Smith, Australia won both Tests played in Perth and Brisbane by eight wickets and hold a 2–0 lead in the series. Three Test matches are still remaining. If Australia wins the Adelaide Test as well, they will clinch the series.