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Australia vs England 3rd Ashes Test: Australia received a significant boost as their original captain Pat Cummins returned to the side to lead in the third Ashes Test against England, starting from December 17.

Australia's prime pacer, who has been recovering from a lower-back strain injury since July, appears to have shaken off any lingering concerns as he is set to return in Adelaide on December 17 for the next game in the five-game ICC World Test Championship series.

Australia's squad announcement on Wednesday brought no major surprises, with veteran opener Usman Khawaja holding his place in the team as he aims to overcome injury and reclaim his spot in the playing XI.

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All-rounder Beau Webster and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon have also been added to the 15-player squad after the duo was rested in the second Test in Brisbane, which Australia won by eight wickets.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald hinted that Cummins could have almost featured in that Brisbane Test, but now he is almost sure to feature in Adelaide.

"We feel as though he (Cummins) will be as well prepared as can be. 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," McDonald said as quoted by ICC.

"It was debated a lot leading into that Test match. With that in mind, 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," he added.

"We feel as though the simulation in the nets has 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," said the Australian head coach.

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After losing Josh Hazlewood to injury, Australia will aim to cruise on its impressive pace lineup, including Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Michael Neser all in strong tempo, with Cummins joining the pace arsenal.

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.

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