The moment England fans were hoping wouldn’t arrive just yet. With Pat Cummins back to Ashes action ahead of the third Test in Adelaide, the Aussies have been handed the perfect mid-series energy boost. Meanwhile, England, already bruised by Mark Wood’s confirmed absence, now face a second punch to the gut. The timing couldn’t be worse: a must-win Test, an away crowd ready to roar, and a refreshed Aussie skipper standing at the top of his mark once more.

What Happened to Cummins in the First Place?

Before we get carried away with the impact of Pat Cummins back to Ashes, it’s worth remembering why he wasn’t around in the first two Tests. After months of managing lumbar stress issues, an unfortunate by-product of bowling at 90mph for a living; Cummins had to step aside. During his last outing in July, against the West Indies, he felt that familiar, unwelcome tug in his back.

Captain Pat Cummins returns to take charge in the Adelaide Test 🇦🇺©️#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/NvOIIp7bR9

— Sport360° (@Sport360) December 9, 2025

From there, the inevitable followed: scans, rehab, spell after spell in the nets instead of in the middle. It’s a journey familiar to fast bowlers, yet tougher when you’re the national captain. At one point, many feared we’d hear the dreaded phrase Pat Cummins ruled out of the entire Ashes series. But surprisingly, he travelled with the squad, bowled in training, and quietly inched closer to full fitness.

What changes do you think Australia should make going into the third #Ashes Test in Adelaide?

More here: https://t.co/vlep9WVt1g pic.twitter.com/3dKJ0eNXpF

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 10, 2025

By the time Australia landed in Brisbane for the second Test, talk had already begun behind closed doors about whether he might return early. The coaches insisted the decision wasn’t taken lightly, but Cummins was simply ahead of schedule. Now, with the Australia squad for Adelaide Test officially confirmed, there’s no doubt, he’s back in charge.

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Why Cummins’ Return Makes Australia Even Scarier?

Let’s be honest: even without him, Australia looked annoyingly solid. But having Pat Cummins back to Ashes duty? That’s a whole different beast. This is a guy who has done it all: World Cup winner, Ashes winner, ICC Test Player of the Year, you name it. His return adds more than just pace. It’s rhythm, control, leadership, and that calm, chilling confidence Aussie captains seem to be born with. He’s the type who bowls the nightmare spells you only ever see in highlight reels — late swing under lights, jagging cutters, unplayable lengths.

England, Pat Cummins is back 👀 ⚡

🔗 https://t.co/VUPNKE2cgY pic.twitter.com/sZjuanTnfg

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 9, 2025

During the build-up, head coach Andrew McDonald made it clear: Cummins isn’t just fit; he’s match ready. His net sessions were apparently sharp enough that some wondered if he could have played in Brisbane. That’s how far from Pat Cummins ruled out he turned out to be. Instead, he now enters the Australia squad for Adelaide Test as its most influential name.

🚨 CAPTAIN PAT CUMMINS IS BACK 🚨

– Cummins will lead Australia in the 3rd Test against England in the Ashes. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/inS3VKZ4AD

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 10, 2025

For England, who already look directionless with the ball and rattled with the bat, this is pretty much the last thing they needed. Cummins doesn’t just take wickets but controls the tempo. He makes scoring feel like a chore. With him back, the Aussies suddenly look as complete as ever.

How Australia Are Balancing the Books?

Of course, it’s not completely sunshine for the Aussies. The Test cricket gods giveth, and they taketh away. While applauding Pat Cummins back to Ashes, we also learned that Josh Hazlewood is officially ruled out for the entire series. A combination of calf and Achilles issues means he won’t bowl a single ball in the remaining Tests.

🚨 Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the remainder of #Ashes2025, will now focus on being fully fit for the T20 World Cup pic.twitter.com/y4dHIqc0lX

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 9, 2025

It’s a huge setback though perhaps softened by Australia’s ridiculous depth. Hazlewood brings relentless accuracy and metronomic control, and losing that hurts. But with Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, and Michael Neser all fit, there’s still enough firepower to make trouble. And with Cummins returning, it’s not as if the attack suddenly looks underpowered.

A suggestion from the coach that Khawaja could be considered for a middle-order position in Adelaide 👀 https://t.co/3RVE4McJmW | #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/ReggslrJBj

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 9, 2025

The Australia squad for Adelaide Test remains stacked. Khawaja stays in the mix after his own recovery struggles. Nathan Lyon and Beau Webster also return, giving Australia flexibility with spin and batting depth. Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green and Steve Smith are all still there because, well, of course they are. It’s the Ashes, and Australia always seem to have a full army ready. Even with Hazlewood’s unfortunate fate where some feared both him and Pat Cummins ruled out might be the headline, the Aussies remain terrifyingly complete.

Other Names to Watch in the Adelaide Clash

Now that the Australia squad for Adelaide Test is locked in, we know who England will be dealing with in the pink-ball showdown. Starc is licking his lips at the thought of swinging the ball under lights. Boland, who lives and breathes line-and-length perfection, is expected to retain his spot. Neser, who was excellent in Brisbane, may unfortunately make way for his captain, but few would argue. That’s the reality when you’re competing with Pat Cummins back to Ashes cricket.

🚨 Nathan Lyon talks about his omission 🚨

He takes us through his day, what he’s feeling right now, and the conversations he’s had with the Australian brains trust…#Ashes pic.twitter.com/usdO45gShZ

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 4, 2025

Webster will push for an all-rounder slot, Lyon will eye a return to the XI after missing Brisbane, and Khawaja will hope the selectors feel he’s ready for full match intensity again. The strength of this group is a big reason why the Aussies look so composed, even with Pat Cummins ruled out rumours floating a few weeks ago, they never truly panicked. They didn’t need to.

Final Thoughts：England’s Mountain Just Got Steeper

So here we are: Cummins returns, Hazlewood exits, Australia look refreshed, and England… well, England look tired. Losing Mark Wood is bad enough. Adding Pat Cummins back to Ashes pressure on top of that? That’s harsh. The Adelaide Test was always going to be significant, but now it feels monumental. Pink ball, under lights, must-win scenario, and a fully charged Australian captain walking out to toss the coin. Whatever happens next, it’s clear the balance of power has shifted even further, and England will need something truly extraordinary to turn the series around.