Skipper returns as Australia name squad for third Ashes Test

Australia captain Pat Cummins has moved one step closer to returning to international cricket after he was named in a 15-player squad for the third Ashes Test against England.

Cummins hasn't featured at international level since he played the third Test against the West Indies in July, but the 32-year-old appears to have shaken off any lingering concerns with his troublesome back as he is slater to return in Adelaide on December 17 for the next contest in the five-game ICC World Test Championship series.

There were no real surprises in the Australia squad that was named on Wednesday, with experienced batter Usman Khawaja retained in the squad as he tries to earn his place back in the XI following his own injury issue.

All-rounder Beau Webster and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon are also included in the 15-member group after they missed out on selection in the second Test in Brisbane that Australia won by eight wickets, with the pair pushing hard for a recall alongside Cummins for the Adelaide contest.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald indicated Cummins could have almost featured in that Brisbane Test and is almost certain to play in Adelaide.

"We feel as though he (Cummins) will be as best prepared as can be," McDonald said.

"He was well ahead of where we thought he'd be at and it did create a real live conversation for (Cummins playing in) Brisbane.

"It was debated a lot leading into that Test match. With that in mind, us seeing him further advanced, we feel he'll be really well placed for the challenges of Adelaide albeit (it's still) a long way off.

"We feel as though the simulation in the nets has got him skill ready. His body's ready to go. Barring anything else happening in the next week, I'd be expecting Pat to be tossing the coin and putting the blazer on."

Meanwhile, pacer Jhye Richardson will join the Australian group in Adelaide as he continues to push for a return to international cricket.

The right-armer featured for a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane recently and once again for Australia A in Brisbane last week and selectors may be tempted to use him later in the series should his recovery from injury continue to go well.

Australia squad for third Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

Series schedule:

First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8