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Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon return as Australia name unchanged batting line up for third Ashes Test

There is no room for fit-again batsman an Usman Khawaja as dominant Australia look to take a 3-0 lead in the series

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Australia's Pat Cummins bowls during a nets session at the Adelaide Oval
Pat Cummins has been recalled to lead the pace attack as Australia look to keep up the pressure on England . Picture: Alamy

By StephenRigley

Australia have recalled captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, but there is no room for fit-again batter Usman Khawaja.

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At 2-0 up the hosts have flexed their bowling muscles, adding 871 Test wickets to their XI at the expense of Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser.

Cummins is back to lead the pace attack and lead spinner Lyon returns after his surprise omission in Brisbane.

Australia are looking to take a 3-0 lead after winning in Perth and Brisbane
Australia are looking to take a 3-0 lead after winning in Perth and Brisbane. Picture: Alamy

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But there is no room for Khawaja, who started the series as incumbent opener but suffered back spasms during the first Test.

He turns 39 on day two in Adelaide and despite being cleared for action, he remains on the sidelines.

"I think the big thing that shifted was Travis (Head) opening and how good that looked," said Cummins.

"I'm pretty happy with the batting line-up and it didn't feel like it needed to change in the middle order.

"We pick a team for each week and absolutely I can see a path back (for Khawaja) at some point, if needed."