Australia have made a scintillating start to the Ashes series. They have won the first two tests and now hold a commanding 2–0 lead. The hosts claimed the opening Test in Perth with authority. They defeated England by eight wickets and took early control of the series. The momentum continued in the second Test at the Gabba.
Australia stuck to the same winning template once again and outplayed England, where they sealed another eight-wicket victory. The result pushed them to a 2–0 lead and placed England under heavy pressure.
Australia are now just one victory away from regaining the Ashes. Even a drawn Test will be enough for them to retain the urn. The advantage clearly lies with the hosts as the series moves forward. Australia enter the third Test with confidence and control. England walk in with pressure and urgency.
The series stands at a critical stage, and this match could decide its direction. Australia want to tighten their grip. England want to stay alive. That contrast makes this Test special. Adelaide Oval now becomes the center of attention.
Ashes 2025/26: Date, Time and Venue
The third Test of the Ashes between Australia and England will be played at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. The match begins on Wednesday, December 17. The game kicks off at 5:30 a.m. Indian Standard Time (IST).
This early start suits Test purists. It also sets the tone for long, demanding days of cricket.
Ashes 2025/26: Match Preview
Australia look settled. The team plays with clarity. Roles are fixed. Plans are clear. They have dominated key moments so far, and that has made the difference. England face a tougher challenge. Mistakes from earlier Tests still linger. Injuries have tested depth. But this team has experience. It has pride.
And it has players who can turn games quickly. This Test will test patience more than aggression. Rash decisions will cost runs. Poor discipline will cost wickets. Momentum favours Australia. Desperation fuels England. That mix often produces drama.
READ MORE: Lasith Malinga to Jasprit Bumrah: Five bowlers who have taken 100-plus wickets across formats
Pitch Report: What to Expect at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide Oval usually offers a fair contest. The pitch starts flat. Batters enjoy true bounce. Timing feels natural in the early sessions. Fast bowlers get movement with the new ball, especially under lights. As the match progresses, cracks appear. Spinners then enter the game. Footmarks create opportunities.
Batting long is the key here. Teams that show patience usually control the match. Quick collapses often decide results at this venue. Captains must read conditions well. Session management will matter more than flashy shots.
Squads
Australia Squad
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Todd Murphy, Marcus Harris.
England Squad
Ben Stokes (c), Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, Rehan Ahmed, Matthew Fisher.
READ MORE: Virat Kohli closes in on Rohit Sharma: ICC ODI rankings heat up with three Indians in top five
Probable Playing XI
Australia Playing XI (Probable)
Usman Khawaja
Steve Smith
Marnus Labuschagne
Travis Head
Cameron Green
Mitchell Marsh
Alex Carey (wk)
Pat Cummins (c)
Mitchell Starc
Josh Hazlewood
Nathan Lyon
England Playing XI (Probable)
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Joe Root
Ollie Pope
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (c)
Jonny Bairstow (wk)
Chris Woakes
Mark Wood
Ollie Robinson
James Anderson
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Indian fans can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the Jio Hotstar app. Global viewers can follow the Test through official broadcasters in their respective regions.
