Australia and England continue their iconic rivalry in the third Test of the Ashes 2025-26 at the Adelaide Oval, with the hosts firmly in control of the series. Scheduled to begin on December 17, this pink-ball Test presents Australia with a golden opportunity to seal the Ashes at the earliest possible stage.
Match Details (overview)
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Match: Australia vs England, 3rd Test, The Ashes 2025-26
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Date & Time: December 17, 2025; 05:00 am local start
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Venue: Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide, Australia
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Format: Test cricket
Match Overview
Australia enter the Adelaide Test with a commanding 2-0 lead in the series and immense momentum behind them. Having won five consecutive Test matches and remaining unbeaten in their last 17 home Ashes Tests, the hosts look dominant in familiar conditions. The return of key players further strengthens an already settled and confident side.
England, on the other hand, find themselves under pressure once again. Despite winning the toss in each of their last four Tests, they have failed to convert strong positions into victories. Injuries and inconsistency have hampered their campaign, and Adelaide now represents a must-win scenario if they are to keep the series alive.
Team Overviews
Australia’s success has been built on depth and balance. Their batting unit has responded well after early hiccups in the series, while the bowling attack has relentlessly exploited English weaknesses. The return of Pat Cummins to lead the side, along with Nathan Lyon’s inclusion, restores Australia’s preferred combination. The possibility of Usman Khawaja returning at the top further solidifies their lineup.
England continue to show flashes of resistance but lack sustained control. Joe Root’s long-awaited century in Australia was a positive sign, while Zak Crawley has shown starts without fully convincing. With Mark Wood ruled out for the remainder of the series, England’s pace attack looks thinner, placing added responsibility on Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
In the last seven Ashes Tests between the two sides, Australia have won four matches, England two, with one ending in no result. The most recent encounter earlier this month saw Australia beat England by eight wickets, underlining the current gap between the teams.
Probable Playing XIs
Australia:
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon
England:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
Key Players to Watch
For Australia, Mitchell Starc remains a major threat with both bat and ball, while Marnus Labuschagne’s consistency in the middle order continues to anchor the innings. Nathan Lyon’s return could be decisive as the pitch wears.
England will once again rely heavily on Joe Root’s form with the bat. Ben Stokes’ all-round influence and Archer’s pace will be crucial if the visitors are to challenge Australia in Adelaide.
Pitch and Conditions
The Adelaide Oval traditionally offers excellent batting conditions early in the Test, especially under clear skies and hot temperatures. The pink ball is expected to swing under lights, while spinners should come into play as the match progresses. Batting first is widely seen as an advantage, particularly with extreme heat forecast for the opening days.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
In Australia, the match will be broadcast on Fox Sports and streamed via Kayo Sports. Indian viewers can watch the Test on Sony Sports Network and stream it on Sony LIV. In the UK, live coverage will be available on Sky Sports Cricket, while fans in Pakistan can follow the action on Sony Ten channels and related digital platforms.
Probable Match Scenarios and Prediction
The toss could influence early momentum, with batting first offering the best chance to dominate proceedings. However, Australia’s superior depth, home advantage, and confidence make them clear favorites.
Match Prediction: Australia are expected to win and clinch the Ashes with another home Test victory.