Overview
- Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Josh Hazlewood will miss the remaining three Tests after a separate Achilles issue arose during his hamstring comeback.
- Pat Cummins is expected to return as captain for the third Test after completing multi‑spell match simulations at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.
- Australia leads the series 2-0 after eight‑wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane, and can retain the urn in Adelaide, where the Test begins December 17.
- Selection plans now point to Scott Boland or Michael Neser keeping a seam spot, with Nathan Lyon poised for a larger role after missing the Gabba Test.
- Mitchell Starc tops the wicket charts with 18 in two Tests and has been cleared to play despite managing a minor left‑side niggle at the Gabba.