England coach Brendon McCullum has resisted making sweeping changes for the 3rd test, keeping the batting lineup intact and ignoring the claims of "first choice" spinner Shoaib Bashir.
The hosts look even stronger heading into Adelaide with Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon expected to return, while Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the entire series after suffering a fresh Achilles injury during his recovery.
Selection debates are bubbling on both sides. Australia must decide whether to bring Usman Khawaja straight back to the top of the order after recovering from back spasms, or continue with the temporary opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, who impressed in Brisbane.
The return of Lyon also puts pressure on Scott Boland, Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett, with Australia likely to rotate their quicks to manage workloads across the packed summer.
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England arrive under scrutiny after their Noosa break, misfiring pace attack and major form concerns around several senior players.
Joe Root’s century at the Gabba and flashes from Ben Stokes and Will Jacks offer some hope, but England remain a side searching for stability and confidence. With Adelaide conditions often favouring disciplined seam bowling, both teams face high-stakes selection calls that could define the series.
Australia vs. England lineups: Starting XI's, team news and injury latest for third test
Usman Khawaja’s return for Adelaide is under consideration, while Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out for the series after a fresh Achilles injury. Scott Boland may be rested to manage workload, potentially opening the door for Michael Neser or Brendan Doggett to keep their place. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon is likely to return, boosting Australia’s bowling depth.
Predicted Australian XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.
England have made one change for the third test at the Adelaide Oval, replacing Gus Atkinson with Josh Tongue. It means Will Jacks keeps his place over Shoaib Bashir, while the top order remains intact despite the questions over the form of Jamie Smith and Ollie Pope. Ben Stokes leads a side in search of its first Test win on Australian soil since 2011.
Confirmed England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer.
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Australia vs. England Third Test match details
- Date: December 17-21, 2025
- Start Time: First ball set for 2:00 p.m. Local time (3:00 p.m. AEDT; 4:00 a.m. GMT)
- Venue: Adelaide Oval
- Competition: The Ashes