The 2025-26 Ashes series is to be played at the Adelaide Oval for the decisive third Test, and the stakes are unbelievably high. The Australian team, having two commanding victories in the first two matches, now stands at the very point of a historic series triumph. Winning in Adelaide would mean not only the urn but also a victory over their archrivals, thus going in full force with the momentum they have toiled so hard to build since the very first ball was bowled.
For the English team, the Test match in Adelaide is the last chance in a disaster that has already started to happen very quickly in their campaign. With their 2-0 deficit being so big that it looks insurmountable, the visitors will have to perform flawlessly to keep their Ashes dreams alive. England is in a must-win situation with the series at stake, as they not only need to turn around their bad luck but also to spoil Australia’s unstoppable push for victory on their home turf.
AUS vs ENG Test Match Details
| AUS vs ENG Match Details | |
| Match | Australia vs England 3rd Ashes Test Match |
| Date and Time | Wednesday, December 17 to Sunday, December 21; 5:00 a.m. IST |
| Venue | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| Broadcasting and live streaming | TV – Star Sports Network, Live Stream – JioHotstar |
AUS vs ENG Head-to-Head Records
| AUS vs ENG head-to-head (in Tests) | |
| Match Played | 363 |
| Won by Australia | 154 |
| Won by England | 112 |
| Draw | 97 |
| No Result | 0 |
AUS vs ENG 3rd Ashes Test Pitch Report
Australia vs England: 3rd Test Match Analysis
Australia’s Strengths
Australia’s devastating bowling attack, anchored by Mitchell Starc’s extraordinary performances taking eight wickets in the previous Test, remains virtually unplayable on home soil. Steve Smith’s leadership has orchestrated two commanding victories, establishing complete dominance across batting and bowling departments. Their five-match winning streak and multiple half-centuries demonstrate a team operating at peak efficiency with exceptional balance. A 2-0 series advantage provides Australia with tactical flexibility and psychological superiority heading into Adelaide.
Australia’s Weaknesses
Australia’s reliance on Mitchell Starc’s extraordinary performances masks potential vulnerabilities in backup bowling options during his inevitable rest periods. While dominant at home, their batting, though strong, hasn’t faced sustained pressure from quality opposition bowling attacks. Their previous Test victories came against inconsistent English bowling, which may not fully test their middle-order resilience. Adelaide’s unique pitch conditions could potentially disrupt established rhythms if Starc’s form fluctuates unexpectedly.
England’s Strengths
England’s batting performance in the second Test, particularly Joe Root’s return to international form with a century on Australian soil and Zak Crawley’s maiden half-century, signals rekindled confidence in their batting lineup. Root’s experience and technical excellence provide stability and match awareness critical for challenging matches. Their demonstrated batting resilience, despite poor bowling performances, indicates capable personnel ready to rebuild if given favorable conditions and match situations.
England’s Weaknesses
England’s bowling attack remains fundamentally inconsistent and inadequate against Australia’s batting lineup, creating defensive pressure throughout matches. Their inability to sustain bowling intensity across both innings exposes tactical vulnerabilities against experienced opposition. The do-or-die scenario creates psychological pressure that historically affects their performance under extreme stress. Without immediate bowling improvements, England faces series elimination despite individual batting successes in previous matches.
Predicted Playing 11s
Australia: Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Josh Inglish.
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer.
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