Australia head coach Andrew McDonald revealed that he expects Pat Cummins "to be tossing ​the coin and putting the blazer on" in the third Ashes Test.

Cummins missed the first two matches of the series while recovering from a back problem, but that mattered little as Australia hold a 2-0 lead over a struggling England side.

England are looking to become the first Test side since Australia in 1936-37 to win a series from 2-0 down, but the sight of Cummins will not be a pleasant one for the tourists.

The Australia skipper has taken more wickets against England (91) than any other country in his Test career, averaging 24.1 across 36 innings against their rivals.

And after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out for the series, Cummins’ return will be welcomed by McDonald ahead of the third Test in Adelaide.

"We feel as though he'll be as best prepared as can be," McDonald said of Cummins.

"We feel as though the simulation in the nets has ⁠got 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."

We are so ready to see the skipper back in action 

Full story  https://t.co/80Qx3AIRpT pic.twitter.com/yhCaNkObTR

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 10, 2025

Australia will retain the urn with a draw in Adelaide, while a win would also clinch a series victory for the hosts.

The third Test gets underway on December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.