The 2025/26 Ashes series has burst into life with drama, dominance and a stark warning to England about how tough this summer Down Under will be. The first Test — played in Perth — ended in just two days as Australia ran rampant, handing the tourists a humiliating 8-wicket defeat and grabbing a 1–0 lead in the five-Test series.

The second test seemingly started well for England, but once again turned sour as English batting frailties were exposed in the second innings and Australia took full advantage of some poor England fielding to go 2-0 up in the series.

Now, all eyes turn to Adelaide and the looming Third Test, at the Adelaide Oval. England must respond — and quickly. For Australia, it’s a chance to clinch the Ashes with either a draw or a win. For England, nothing less than a win will suffice if they are to keep this series alive with a further two tests to play.

For real-time coverage, including live odds, in-play betting opportunities and streaming information, you can visit our dedicated Ashes hub:
Ashes Cricket 2025/26 — Live Betting Promotions, Real-Time Scores and Updates You Need

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Second Test Recap: Another Brutal Wake-Up Call for England

After a stunning win in the first test in Perth, the second test started well for England, with Joe Root making his first century in Australia and Zak Crawley scoring well as England posted 334. However, with the ball England suffered and Australia put the visitors under real pressure scoring 511.

England needed a big response but fell well short, dismissed in their second innings for just 241, leaving Australia needing just 69 to win the second test, which they achieved for the loss of just two wickets.

Poor fielding and bowling, plus the usual middle-order batting collapses scuppered England’s hopes of earning a win in Brisbane and after a week’s break, much more will be expected of the England team in this now vital third test to avoid this Ashes series becoming another whitewash for the home team.

Key takeaways from the first two tests included:

• Australia outclassed England in all departments, showing control, confidence and balance.
• England’s batting order crumbled under sustained pressure, struggling to deal with the movement and lift generated by the home attack.
• Fielding errors proved costly, England’s fielding left a lot to be desired, especially in the second test where a number of drops proved very costly in Australia’s first innings.
• Mitchell Starc is Australia’s key weapon, England were already aware of how well Starc plays for Australia in the Ashes. He has been superb once again in the two tests so far.

It was another statement win from Australia — and a reminder that Ashes cricket in Australia demands the highest level of discipline and adaptability. The home side comfortably lead the series 2-0 heading to Adelaide.

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Key Issues Identified After The Second Test

What England Must Fix

England head to Adelaide requiring rapid improvement. Several structural issues were exposed:

• Technical vulnerability against pace — especially early in the innings and in the middle order.
• Lack of batting partnerships, with collapses creating constant pressure.
• Predictable bowling, lacking variation and tactical sharpness since the first innings of the first test.
• Fielding lapses, which continue to undermine otherwise promising moments.

The tourists must rediscover resilience and discipline, and bat long and deep for both innings. They cannot afford to lose wickets cheaply. If they once again fail to absorb early pressure, Adelaide could be another long — or very short — few days.

What Australia Must Guard Against

Australia were superb in Perth and Brisbane, but new challenges await:

• Overconfidence, the ease of their two wins so far could breed a little over-confidence.
• Injury and workload management is crucial in a long five-Test series, especially with bowlers like Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon ready to return.
• Maintaining focus will be essential; England should be ready to fight with the series on the line and after a weeks rest.

The hosts hold a big advantage — but they will need to be careful not to give England any opportunity to regain confidence.

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Injury News and Team Updates

Australia

• Usman Khawaja is back. The batsman has returned to the squad after injury kept him out of the first two tests. However, after two superb performances in the opening two tests, there are question marks about whether he will be selected for the team.
• Pat Cummins is pushing for a return, with selectors cautiously optimistic about his fitness. If cleared, he will resume his place and bring world-class quality to the attack.
• Nathan Lyon is another bowler who could be in contention for his first start against England in this series.

England

• England have dropped Mark Wood due to injury concerns.
• Will Jacks comes into the squad, offering extra batting depth and a hybrid seam/spin option.
• England are believed to be considering a seam-heavy attack, but final decisions will depend on pitch inspections at The Gabba.
• The pressure is on skipper Ben Stokes to get something from this third test as a draw or defeat would mean Australia retain the Ashes.

No major injury returns are expected; England’s challenge lies more in improved performance and psychological recovery.

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Predicted Starting XIs — Second Test at The Gabba

Australia Predicted XI

1. Travis Head
2. Jake Weatherald
3. Steve Smith
4. Marnus Labuschagne
5. Cameron Green
6. Josh Inglis (Wicket-keeper)
7. Michael Neser
8. Pat Cummins (Captain)
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Scott Boland
11. Nathan Lyon

Notes:
Head is set to continue as opener. Australia’s bowling attack could potentially return to full strength if Cummins is given the all-clear.

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England Predicted XI

1. Ben Duckett
2. Zak Crawley
3. Ollie Pope
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Ben Stokes (Captain)
7. Jamie Smith (Wicket-keeper)
8. Will Jacks
9. Gus Atkinson
10. Brydon Carse
11. Jofra Archer

Notes:
England must rethink their approach. They need to bat deep in both innings to stand any chance here and make big improvements in the field.

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Third Test Match Details

Category	Information
Dates	16–21 December 2025
Venue	The Oval, Adelaide
Local Conditions	Hot, Humid
UK Start Time	Approx. 04:00–04:30 AM GMT daily
Broadcast (UK)	Live on TNT Sports (TV & streaming via discovery+)
Streaming Options	discovery+, official cricket streaming platforms and radio commentary
Umpires	Confirmed ICC umpiring team for the 2025/26 Test cycle to officiate

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bet365 Third Test Match Odds — Who Is Favoured?

Odds will move as team selections are confirmed and pitch reports come in, but early markets from bet365 show:

The Ashes 2025 – Test Three

Trading Insight

• Ashes 3^rd Test Winner
• England – 9/4 – 21%
• Australia – 1/2 – 69%
• Draw – 11/1 – 10%

Ashes Correct Score

• Australia to win 3-1 – 10/1 – 20%
• Australia to win 5-0 – 6/4 – 16%
• Australia to win 4-0 – 5/1 – 11%
• England to win 3-2 – 18/1 – 10%

Additional markets include, but are not limited to:

• Ashes Outright Winner
• Top Batter
• Top Bowler
• Player of the Series
• Ashes Special – When will Australia Retain Ashes?
• Player to Score a Century?
• Player to Score a Fifty?
• See Here for latest News and Odds for The Ashes 2025

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Key Storylines and Tactical Battles

England’s Technique Against Pace and Bounce

England’s top order must make drastic technical improvements to avoid a repeat of Perth and Brisbanes collapses.

Travis Head’s Role as Replacement Opener

Head’s success as a stand-in opener puts pressure on England’s new-ball attack. Containing him early may dictate the shape of Australia’s innings.

Fielding Efficiency

The side that fields better will gain significant advantage. England cannot afford drops, misfields or hesitation — issues that plagued them in Test One.

Can Joe Root Anchor England?

England need their most experienced batter to set the tone. Root’s struggles against height and movement were glaring in Perth but he was superb in the first innings in Brisbane. He needs a similar performance in both innings here.

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What’s at Stake in Brisbane

For England

• Avoiding a devastating 3–0 defeat which would give Australia every chance of a whitewash
• Salvaging pride and proving that they are better than performances have shown.
• Rebuilding mental resilience and tactical clarity, while regaining confidence with the bat.

For Australia

• Winning the Ashes.
• Pressuring England into further tactical errors when bowling especially.
• Maintaining momentum heading into the Boxing Day Test.

For the Series as a Whole

The Third Test may well determine the winner of this series. Australia look hot favourites, can England respond?

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Final Verdict: Who Has the Edge?

Australia enter The Oval brimming with confidence, with strong form, stable selection and favourable home conditions. If Cummins returns, their attack could be at full power and that will be terrifying for an England batting line up struggling.

England, on the other hand, face a monumental task. They must improve their batting discipline, rediscover composure and field with precision. Their bowlers must also find craft and variation to trouble Australia’s top order.

Predicted Outcome: Australia win
But:

• Draw is a viable mid-value alternative for punters.
• England win remains an outside option — but one offering price value for those expecting a dramatic revival.

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