England’s Ashes campaign is on the brink as they head into the third Test in Adelaide, trailing 0-2 in the five-match series and staring at elimination.
Another defeat would hand Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead, effectively ending England’s hopes of regaining the urn. For Ben Stokes’ side, Adelaide represents both a last stand and a chance to reset a faltering tour.
History Stacked Against England
England’s task is formidable. Only one team has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit to win an Ashes series, Don Bradman’s Australia in 1936–37. England, meanwhile, have not won a Test in Australia in several years and have suffered heavy defeats on each of their last three visits to Adelaide.
So far in this series, England’s batting has failed to fire. Joe Root’s century remains the lone bright spot, with the rest of the line-up struggling to convert starts or adapt to match situations.
Bazball Misfires Under Pressure
While England possess undeniable talent, their application has been inconsistent. They have often failed to read key moments, sticking rigidly to their attacking “Bazball” approach even when conditions demanded restraint.
If a fightback is to begin, it must start with sharper decision-making, and more grit.
‘Show A Bit Of Dog’: Stokes’ Rallying Cry
Captain Ben Stokes was unequivocal in his message to the squad ahead of the Adelaide Test, calling on his players to show character rather than rely on talk.
It’s just about trying to fight in every situation that you find yourself in, understanding what the team needs.
“Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog. That’s fight to me. You give yourself the best possible chance if you’ve got a bit of dog in you.”
Stokes, returning to the venue where he made his Test debut 12 years ago, stressed that preparation was complete.
What’s been said has been said. All that stuff’s done now. It’s about what gets seen out on the field in Adelaide this week.
Selection Dilemmas For England
England face tough calls on the selection front. Ollie Pope’s place is under scrutiny after a quiet series, though head coach Brendon McCullum has so far resisted wholesale changes.
The bowling attack, however, will be reshaped. Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes with a left knee injury. While Matthew Fisher has been added as cover, Josh Tongue is set to come in for Adelaide, likely replacing Gus Atkinson. England may also continue to back Will Jacks over Shoaib Bashir.
Australia Boosted By Cummins, Khawaja Returns
Australia, by contrast, are riding momentum. Opener Usman Khawaja is set to return after missing the second Test with back spasms and has indicated he is willing to bat in the middle order if required.
The hosts will also be strengthened by the return of captain Pat Cummins, who has recovered from a lumbar bone stress injury. His comeback poses selection headaches, particularly with Michael Neser impressing with a five-wicket haul in the pink-ball Test.
Australia must decide who makes way among Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett and Neser, while also accommodating Nathan Lyon, expected to return on a dry surface likely to assist spin.
Lyon: ‘I’ve Got Nothing To Prove’
Despite being left out twice in the last three Tests, Lyon insisted he remains unfazed.
I’ve played 140 Test matches. I don’t feel like I have a point to prove to anyone. No one’s got a given right to be selected. You’ve got to work your backside off and earn it.
With conditions in Adelaide expected to offer the best batting surface of the series so far, Lyon’s experience could prove decisive as Australia push to seal the Ashes.
England’s Last Chance
With pace and bounce likely to be less severe than in Perth and Brisbane, England may finally get conditions to suit their batters. Whether they seize that opportunity, or allow Australia to close out the series, will define their Ashes story.
