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Who will make way for Cummins and Lyon for Adelaide?
Nicholas Quinlan ⹠ December 15th, 2025 8:42 pm
With the likelihood of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon returning to the Australian Test side, Adam Collins has given his thoughts on who they'll replace for the third Test.
The hosts are now up 2-nil in the Ashes, having won both matches by eight wickets despite Cummins having been out with a back injury and Lyon being dropped for the Day/Night Test at the Gabba.
However, with the captain having been added to the squad for the first time this series after appearing to have recovered from his ailment and the off-spinner being confirmed during the Brisbane Test, this means two of either Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, or Scott Boland will be dropped with Mitchell Starc's spot likely safe.
With that in mind, Collins has concluded that the Australian selectors should keep Starc and Neser in the side to allow Boland a rest ahead of the Boxing Day Test. Â
âIâm drawn to that scenario,â Collins admitted on SEN Breakfast.
âRemembering itâs five Test matches in six and a half weeks after all, no one really expected any of the quicks to get through all of them, maybe they hoped, but the traditional form with situations like this is they like to go in with this squad mentality.
âThereâs no way in the world they are resting Starc because heâs got the hottest hand in the world right now.
âSo, I can see a world where Boland, as good as he has been, itâs not about his spot in the pecking order, itâs about reinforcing how much they love the idea of Boland at the MCG, where he has been such an extraordinary asset.
âI would do that. I would retain Neser as well, not because I see any issue with what Doggett has done so far.
âBut I feel with England batters, (Harry) Brook, (Zak) Crawley, and (Jamie) Smith, they love to walk at bowlers. They love to walk at you and present an imposing physical test for fast bowlers.
âIf youâve got Neser bowling on a hot day with Carey up to the stumps, it completely negates that form of attack, and it was super effective in Brisbane when he picked up five wickets in the second innings.â
Australia is yet to confirm who will feature in their starting XI with the third Test beginning on Wednesday.
SEN will have LIVE coverage of the Test match from the Adelaide Oval beginning from 9am AEDT through its radio network and on the SEN app.
