England Must Win to Keep Ashes Hopes Alive as Third Test Begins in Shadow of Tragedy
England face a crucial third Test at Adelaide Oval starting on December 17, 2025, needing a win to stay alive in the Ashes series after trailing 2-0 to Australia. The match unfolds under a sombre atmosphere following a tragedy in Bondi the previous Sunday, with flags flying at half-mast, a minute’s silence observed, and players wearing armbands. Security measures have also been intensified.
Australia will be led by Pat Cummins as captain for the first time in the series, while the return of Nathan Lyon strengthens their bowling attack; together, the duo have amassed a combined total of 871 Test wickets. England have named an XI featuring Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, captain Ben Stokes, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Jofra Archer. Notably, Gus Atkinson and Shoaib Bashir have been omitted, with Josh Tongue brought in and Will Jacks retained at No. 8 as part of a strategic plan developed by Stokes to increase the team's urgency.
Conditions at Adelaide, with its 13 meter shorter square boundaries than Perth, are believed to favor England more, despite a forecasted heatwave. A potential all-rounder who can bowl spin at number eight is being considered, with Tongue offering an awkward angle and late movement to challenge the Australian batsmen.
The context of the match is charged, as England are urged to respond emphatically to a challenging start to the series. Both Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have emphasized the team’s commitment to fight back, citing the 2023 Headingley Test comeback from a 2-0 deficit as inspiration for the task ahead.
