Ashes 2025: Don’t panic! England are back, make just one change for must-win Adelaide Test | Cricket News

England showed confidence rather than frenzy as they announced their playing XI for the third Ashes Test against Australia in Adelaide, making just one change despite back-to-back defeats to start the series. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been dropped, and Josh Tongue has been brought in for the contest which begins on Wednesday, as the tourists look to stay alive in the Ashes.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!It was the only change England made, underscoring a clear message from captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum: the solution lies in execution, not upheaval. Off-spinner Will Jacks retained his place ahead of Shoaib Bashir, while the much-scrutinized front seven were all backed to deliver on their promises.

Atkinson’s omission follows a difficult start to the series. The right-armer managed just three wickets at an average of 78.66 in defeats at Perth and Brisbane, conceding 236 runs in 54 overs. Wicketless in the opening Test and dear to the Gabba before collecting late scalps, Atkinson struggled to apply sustained pressure on the Australian batters.Tongue, named for his seventh Test, returns to the XI to complement a pace attack led by Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Stokes himself. The 28-year-old Nottinghamshire quick brings something different – ​​awkward angles, good pace and fuller length – and has previous Ashes experience, having taken five wickets at Lord’s during the 2023 series.

England’s decision to persist with Carse, despite his costly first innings in Brisbane where he conceded 152 runs at 5.24 runs, reflects Stokes’ support for the South African-born seamer’s heart and wicket-taking ability. Carse finished that Test with four wickets and remains a key part of England’s plans.Perhaps more telling is England’s commitment to the batting order. Ollie Pope retained his place at number three despite modest returns, fending off competition from Jacob Bethell, while Joe Root remains the only batter with an average above 30 in the series so far. McCullum acknowledged the problem but urged patience. “We know we haven’t made enough runs so far,” he said. “But for us to go on and win the series, it’s not about letting go of what’s been successful.»Jacks’ retention also speaks to England’s belief in balance. Although he bowled just 11.3 overs at the Gabba, his 41 runs in the second innings, in a 96-run stand with Stokes, added valuable depth to the lower order.Vice-captain Harry Brook admitted England need to improve in key moments, praising Australia’s relentless precision while calling for more courage from them. With Stokes demanding more determination – insisting the dressing room is “no place for weak men” – Adelaide now presents herself as a defining test.

England XI for third Ashes Test