Australia direct the Ashes Series 2025-26 2-0 after dominant victories in the first two Tests. England collapsed spectacularly in Perth, bowled out for 172 and 164 as Mitchell Starc claimed 7-58, before Travis headThe explosive 123-ball stand of 83 sealed an eight-wicket victory in less than two days, the shortest Ashes Test by balls bowled since 1888. In Brisbane, Australia piled up 511 with Starc’s gritty 77 at No. 9, then Michael NeserThe opening five for sparked England’s collapse despite resistance from Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacksgiving Australia another comprehensive triumph.
Australia welcomes back its captain Patrick Cummins after a back injury sidelined him for the first two Tests, pairing him with Starc, Scott BolandAnd Nathan Lyon for a balanced attack, Lyon returns after being absent from Brisbane. Their batting remains unchanged, with openers Head and Jake Weatherald prosperous, supported by Marnus Labuschagne, Steven SmithAnd Cameron Green. England make a change and bring Josh tongue For Gus Atkinsonretaining their top order despite difficulties, as captain Stokes looks for a spark Jofra Archer And Brydon Carse.
Adelaide weather forecast for the 3rdrd Test
Day 1: Expect very hot conditions at Adelaide Oval with hazy sunshine, highs of 37°C and lows of around 19°C, and no chance of precipitation. These extreme temperatures, peaking with a real-world feel of 38C and a UV index of 11.0, favor batting first if teams win the toss, as the heat could sap the bowlers’ energy early, mirroring the high-scoring early Ashes opening matches here. Light west-northwest winds at 15 km/h may provide minimal turning assistance.
Day 2: Very hot and hazy sunshine persists, with highs reaching 42°C and lows of 23°C, no chance of rain but severe heatstroke warnings. The actual feel hits 42°C alongside extreme UV (11.0), putting pressure on outfielders and pacers like Starc and Archer for long sessions, potentially leading to a flatter pitch as the heat cooks the surface. Northwest winds gusting to 19 km/h could accelerate the rebound of Australian seamers.
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Day 3: Cooler temperature change to partly sunny skies, with highs of 29°C falling to 13°C overnight with only a 2% chance of rain. The real feel of 30C and very high UV (8.0) eases the physical demands, helping spinners like Lyon if the pitch wears out, while 19km/h southwest winds could introduce seam movement. Not as hot, refreshing for intense mid-order battles.
Day 4: Increasing cloudiness with maximums of 26°C and minimums of 16°C, probability of precipitation 3%. The actual feel of 29C in extreme UV (11.0) suggests overcast conditions could grab the ball during Lyon and Root’s part-time spin, complicating chases on a potentially deteriorated track. Southwest winds at 15 km/h maintain the Boland and Tongue portage.
Day 5: Misty sunshine turns windy, high temperatures of 24°C drop to 10°C with a 1% chance of rain. A real feel of 26C and extreme UV (11.0) with WSW gusts of up to 28km/h could make batting dangerous in a fifth day match, favoring Australia’s pace trio in a series-deciding push or England’s desperate fightback. The winds amplify the swing, heightening the drama for a potential finale.
Play the XI of both teams
Australia: Travis headJake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (week), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
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