The Ashes: Australia captain Pat Cummins returns for third England Test in Adelaide

Cummins has not played since July, but trained with the rest of the squad around the first two Tests.

There was a suggestion he may have played in the second Test, and he took part in a public selection meeting the day before the game, only for Steve Smith to remain in temporary charge.

“He looks like he’s moving really well,” said Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey. “He’s been around the group the whole time with lots of energy.”

The rest of the Australia squad is as expected, with pace bowler Josh Hazlewood absent for the rest of the series because of hamstring and Achilles problems.

Fast bowler Jhye Richardson will also train with Australia in Adelaide as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury, with a view to possibly playing later in the series.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon missed out on the team in Brisbane and is expected to return in Adelaide. If Lyon is included along with Cummins, it could mean seamers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser are left out.

Australia have another decision to make over Usman Khawaja. The left-hander was unable to open in the first Test because of a back problem, which then caused him to miss the second Test.

Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have formed an impressive opening partnership in his absence. Khawaja could therefore be competing with Josh Inglis for a place in the middle order.