The Ashes rivalry resumes with high intensity as AUS Vs ENG shifts to Adelaide Oval for the third Test, with Australia holding a commanding 2-0 lead. The contest brings personal battles, selection statements, and mounting pressure to the forefront, making this clash one of the most emotionally charged encounters of the series so far.
Match: Australia vs England
Date: 17 December 2025
Time: 5:00 AM
Venue: Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide
AUS Vs ENG Spotlight: Nathan Lyon Returns to His Fortress
Nathan Lyon’s return to the Ashes could not be more symbolic. After tearing his calf at Lord’s in 2023 and enduring a rare omission in the pink-ball Test, Lyon is back in what he describes as a “full and proper context.”
Before injury and omission disrupted his run, Lyon had played 100 consecutive Tests for Australia, including 69 straight home Tests dating back to the 2011–12 India series. His appearance in Perth was limited to just two overs, but Adelaide offers a very different narrative.
The Adelaide Oval is where Lyon’s journey began — once a member of the groundstaff, now one of the most prolific bowlers the venue has seen. Across 14 Tests at Adelaide, Lyon has claimed 63 wickets, making it the most productive ground of his career.
Despite admitting he was “filthy” about being left out earlier in the series, Lyon insists he has nothing to prove. Still, at a venue that could better suit England’s batting approach, his experience adds considerable weight to an Australian side already in control of the series.
AUS Vs ENG Focus: Jamie Smith and the Pressure Cooker
If, Lyon’s return represents redemption, Jamie Smith’s Adelaide Test feels like a moment of reckoning.
Smith endured a difficult Brisbane Test, recording scores of 0 and 4, alongside a costly dropped chance off Travis Head in Australia’s first innings. Compounding matters, his opposite number Alex Carey produced one of the most acclaimed wicketkeeping performances in Australian Test history on the same stage.
England captain Ben Stokes’ post-Gabba comments about “weak men” in the dressing room left room for interpretation, but Smith may have felt directly under scrutiny. While Stokes later praised Smith’s “laid-back” nature, the tension surrounding his place is unmistakable.
As the Ashes pressure intensifies, there is little margin for error. For Smith, Adelaide represents an opportunity to respond — or risk being defined by his early series struggles.
Team News: Changes Shape the AUS Vs ENG Contest
Australia Team News
Usman Khawaja has declared himself “100% fit” after back spasms affected his involvement earlier in the series, but selectors have opted to move forward without him for now.
Travis Head’s promotion to the top of the order has been transformative, complementing Jake Weatherald’s proactive approach and playing a key role in Australia’s two victories.
Australia also welcome back a combined 871 Test wickets, with Pat Cummins cleared after back issues and Nathan Lyon restored to the XI. Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser make way, despite Neser’s five-wicket haul at the Gabba.
Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (capt), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
England Team News
England’s commitment to their batting core remains unwavering. The top seven retains the trust of the current regime, even as pressure mounts on several players — a contrast to the freedom often associated with the Bazball era.
The omission of Bashir marks a notable shift, especially given the backing he previously received. Will Jacks continues in his all-round role at No.8, while Josh Tongue replaces Gus Atkinson, whose three wickets at an average of 78.66 failed to influence the Brisbane Test meaningfully.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
Pitch and Conditions: What to Expect in AUS Vs ENG at Adelaide
Adelaide Oval carries a reputation as one of Australia’s flatter Test surfaces, a factor that could align well with England’s batting strengths. The shorter square boundaries offer a favourable risk-reward balance, particularly for aggressive stroke-makers like Harry Brook, who has admitted to needing more restraint after his dismissals in the opening Tests.
This match marks only the second red-ball Test at Adelaide since day-night cricket became common at the venue. Conditions are expected to be demanding early, with temperatures forecast to reach 38°C on Thursday, before a chance of showers later in the weekend — if the match lasts that long.