Khawaja left out for Stokes’ most ‘important game’

Australia has chosen not to bring back batter Usman Khawaja for the crucial third Ashes Test – an event that Ben Stokes has deemed the most significant match during his tenure as England captain.

With England trailing 2-0 after losses in the initial two Tests, they must secure a victory in Adelaide to maintain their chances of reclaiming the urn.

A defeat would signify a fourth consecutive series defeat in Australia, prolonging England’s dry spell of Ashes victories to at least 12 years and piling considerable pressure on the touring management.

The futures of Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum, and managing director Rob Key would all come under extensive examination.

«Throughout my career, I’ve faced many significant moments. This is yet another one, and I am truly looking forward to it,» Stokes shared with BBC Sport.

«I’ve relished the anticipation, and I’ve embraced the tension surrounding what this match signifies. As it draws nearer, it has become much easier for me. This is my approach to handling major situations and pivotal moments – confront it head-on, tackle it, and manage all the accompanying emotions.

«What else can you do? I won’t allow the moment to overwhelm me or feel like it’s going to rule me. I will step out, set aside all that stuff, and do what I need to do in every situation I face, and strive for excellence.»

Pat Cummins is set to return as the leader of Australia after missing the first two Tests due to a back issue.

Pace bowler Cummins and off-spinner Nathan Lyon have been incorporated into the Australia lineup that triumphed in the second Test in Brisbane, substituting Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett.

This means opener Khawaja will not return, having missed the Gabba Test due to back spasms. Khawaja will turn 39 on Thursday and could have played his final match in an 85-Test career.

Travis Head and Jake Weatherald will persist as the opening duo.

Australia had a 2-0 advantage in the previous Ashes in the UK in 2023, only for England to rally back to level the series at 2-2.

Cummins stated that his team has absorbed several «lessons» from that encounter and insisted he is fit enough to bowl without limitations in Adelaide.

The 32-year-old has not played since the West Indies tour in July, when scans identified the back concern.

Match readiness could be crucial given the high temperatures expected when the match begins on Wednesday (23:30 GMT Tuesday).

«I took 16 weeks completely off from bowling to ensure the bone healed properly, and from there it’s been about increasing intensity,» Cummins explained.

«Usually, you would ramp up over three or four months, but that would have resulted in missing the Ashes.

«We devised a fairly aggressive strategy to ramp up in six or seven weeks. I haven’t encountered any setbacks. I’m feeling great, probably better than I expected. The back has healed nicely, and here we are.»

Australia XI for third Ashes Test: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.

Following the defeat in the second Test in Brisbane, Stokes declared his dressing room is «no haven for the fainthearted».

England occupied a segment of their time after that loss vacationing in Noosa, followed by three days of practice in Adelaide.

The tourists made a single alteration to their lineup, introducing Josh Tongue in place of pace bowler Gus Atkinson. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was again passed over in preference for all-rounder Will Jacks.

All-rounder Stokes took the reins as captain in 2022 and his collaboration with McCullum yielded 10 victories in their initial 11 matches at the helm.

After those first 11 contests, England has captured 16 wins and suffered 15 defeats in the subsequent 33. They have not secured any victories in their five-Test series against Australia or India.

With pace bowler Mark Wood sidelined for the series because of a knee injury, Stokes stands as one of only four members of the England squad to have participated in a prior Ashes tour.

The 34-year-old indicated that several of the newcomers in Australia had found the competitive atmosphere challenging.

«I understand that many individuals in the dressing room may not possess that to rely on,» remarked Stokes. «I feel compelled to draw upon my experiences and communicate that to the team.»

Defeats during Ashes tours commonly lead to substantial transformations within England teams. A loss in Adelaide would intensify pressure on Stokes, McCullum, and Key, while also casting doubt on the international prospects of several players.

«I’ve probably utilized my voice more in this past three and a half years than ever,» Stokes noted.

«We are in a situation where we know we must win three matches. There are a couple of points that I felt the group needed to acknowledge, but also a few things I wanted to express in order to approach this week with clarity.

«I’ve thoroughly considered the psychological aspects of the game and what we are entering.

«Expectations surrounding our objectives this week – I’ve emphasized the need for fight, determination, and grit over the last few days. I anticipate we will witness a markedly different performance, purely as a result of our current situation.»