Ashes holder in brief test periodically makes comeback (7)
I believe the answer is:
returns
'makes comeback' is the definition.
'returns' can be an answer for 'makes' (returning is a kind of making). I'm unsure of the 'comeback' bit.
'ashes holder in brief test periodically' is the wordplay.
'ashes holder' becomes 'urn' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'periodically' means one should take alternating letters (letters must be selected 'every so often').
'brief'+'test'='brieftest'
The alternate letters of 'brieftest' are 'rets'.
'urn' put into 'rets' is 'RETURNS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for returns that I've seen before include "Throws made by cricketers" , "Goods sent back" , "Tickets possibly available" , "Profits" , "profit" .)