Two changes in Adelaide as Aussies confirm XI for third Test

Australia have locked in their playing XI for the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide.

Skipper Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon return to the XI for the crucial third Test at Adelaide Oval, with all-rounder Michael Neser and pacer Brendan Doggett the players to make way.

It means experienced opener Usman Khawaja remains on the outer as he plots a way back into the XI following a back concern, while back-up batter Josh Inglis retains his place in the side and will bat at No.7.

Cummins said Khawaja was disappointed not to regain his place in the Australian side despite the 2-0 series advantage, but credited the way he handled the news.

"He's a real team man. He'll do whatever the team needs," Cummins said of Khawaja in Adelaide on Tuesday.

"And it's not only Uzzie, you've got Beau Webster, who's missed out on these three Tests. Neser is coming off a five-fa and Doggy (Doggett) played in the first two Tests and is doing really well.

"So there's a disappointed group of players.

"But they've all been fantastic around the group. We need a squad to win an Ashes series and they've all been brilliant."

For Cummins the match will mark his first Test appearance since he featured against the West Indies in the middle of the year, with the right-armer revealing he was ready to return and won't be restricted by the amount of overs he can bowl.

"Yeah, I am good to go," Cummins said.

"I've been bowling at 100 percent for a while now. If I played in Brisbane I would have probably been on limited overs, but this week, it's just go and play like any other Test match."

England revealed their playing XI for the Adelaide Test on Monday, with the visitors making one change to their side as Gus Atkinson is replaced by fellow pacer Josh Tongue.

Cummins is wary of an improved performance in the crucial ICC World Test Championship contest and wants his side to remain ruthless in their approach.

"I don't think it's anything different to those first couple of Tests," Cummins said.

"You've got a couple of players who can win it at any moment, you've just got to have plan A, plan B like you do to most teams.

"But they've got some obviously really strong players and you just can't give can't give them a little opening."

Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

Ashes 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