The Ashes 2025-26 - Australia vs England Preview & Prediction | 3rd Test

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Australia can wrap up this Ashes series before the Boxing Day test with victory over England in Adelaide.

Date/time:

Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia

Weather: Potential for rain on day five but aside from that, plenty of sunshine is expected over the course of this third test with scorching hot temperatures on days one and two in particular.

How to watch: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Willow TV / Australia – Fox Sports and Channel 7

Australia vs England prediction

England lost 20 wickets in a second consecutive Ashes test and a ruthless Australia took full advantage. The Gabba saw England’s bowlers give up a score of over 500, handing the hosts a substantial first innings lead. One more inevitable batting collapse latter and it was all but game over. Once resistance from captain Ben Stokes and Will Jacks had ended, it became a formality for Australia to wrap up an eight-wicket win and a 2-0 lead in the series.

Only one change has been made by for Adelaide with Josh Tongue replacing fellow fast bowler Gus Atkinson. This means primary spinner Shoaib Bashir has once again been omitted. As for the Aussies, Nathan Lyon is certain to return after being shockingly left out in the second Test in favour of an extra seamer. Captain Pat Cummins has been passed fit and should make his first appearance of the series, although fellow quick Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the entire series through injury.

Joe Root lifted a huge weight off his shoulders with a first century in Australia last time out, but that was about the only positive from an England perspective. The majority of their batters continue to shoot themselves in the foot and as Australia’s attack is only likely to get better through the additions of Lyon and Cummins, things don’t bode well for the tourists.

The psychological effect of losing the opening two tests cannot be underestimated and it’s a story England fans have been plenty of times before in Australia. Stokes will attempt to rally his troops but ‘Bazball’ is officially on life support and the expectation is that Australia will turn the machine off in Adelaide. Back the hosts to secure an insurmountable series lead and officially retain the Ashes.

Australia vs England tip: Australia to win