The Ashes 2025-26: The third Ashes Test between Australia and England is set to begin on December 17th at the Adelaide Oval. The Ashes series has been a nightmare for England so far, as they suffered heavy defeats in the first two matches against Australia. Now, ahead of the third Test, England has made a significant change to their team, with Josh Tongue returning to the playing XI.
Change in Playing-11s of English Team
A close contest is expected between Australia and England in the Ashes Test series. However, Australia has been ahead of the English team in every aspect. England made changes in the second Ashes Test, and there are further changes to the playing XI for the third match in Adelaide. Gus Atkinson has been dropped from the team, and Josh Tongue has returned in his place.
Gus Atkinson has had a poor bowling performance, taking just three wickets in two Test matches at an average of 78.66. The 28-year-old is coming into this Test after failing to take a wicket in the day-night tour match against the Australian Prime Minister's XI. England have retained Will Jacks as their main spinner, replacing Shoaib Bashir.
England Playing XI for AdelaideTest: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
Jack Crawley and Ben Duckett are likely to open the batting for England. Crawley has made good starts in several innings, but hasn't been able to convert them into big scores. Ollie Pope could bat at number three. England captain Ben Stokes will also need to perform well. He hasn't looked in his best form in the series so far, failing to make an impact with both bat and ball. Joe Root scored a magnificent century in the second Test, playing an innings of 138 runs. The England team will be hoping for another big innings from him in the third Test.
Australia Squad for AdelaideTest: 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.
Australia has made just the one change, but it's a big one. Captain Pat Cummins is back in the squad and all-but certain to play his first official match of any kind since the final Test of Australia's series against the West Indies in June.
Till now in the Ashes 2025-26 Test series the top run scorer for Australia is Travis Head with 199 runs to his name. The top wicket taker for Australia is Mitchell Starc with 18 scalps under his belt. The top run scorer for England is Joe Root with 161 runs to his name and top wicket taker for England is Brydon Carse with 9 scalps under his belt.
The Ashes 2025-26 Schedule
First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8.
