Adelaide Preview: Cummins returns, Tongue gets the nod

Australia go into the Adelaide Test with a 2–0 lead in the series after comprehensive victories in Perth and Brisbane and have the chance to seal the Ashes early.

The hosts have been bolstered by the return of captain Pat Cummins, back from a back injury that kept him out of the first two Tests, alongside experienced spinner Nathan Lyon, strengthening a potent bowling attack that has dominated so far.

Selection decisions around the batting lineup — including the fate of veteran Usman Khawaja — add intrigue, though Australia will back their depth on familiar home wickets.

England arrived in Adelaide needing a win to stay alive in the series with an unchanged core lineup except for Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson to inject fresh energy into their seam attack.

With the team trailing 2–0, skipper Ben Stokes has stressed bold decisions, and players like Harry Brook are under pressure to adapt their approach and produce significant contributions.

The Sky Cricket team analyses the state of the 3rd Test.

Dec 2025