England have made a single but significant change to their playing XI ahead of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, opting to drop pacer Gus Atkinson in favour of the 6-foot-4-inch fast bowler Josh Tongue. The decision, confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), reflects both form and conditions as England attempt to revive their campaign after falling 2–0 behind in the five-match series.
Atkinson featured in the first two Tests of the Ashes but endured a difficult start to the series. Across four innings, he bowled 54 overs and conceded 236 runs while claiming just three wickets. Statistically, it has been the least effective return among England’s bowlers in the series so far. With the Adelaide Oval traditionally offering more assistance to spin, questions had been raised over Atkinson’s place in the side, and the selectors have now provided a clear answer.
Josh Tongue’s inclusion is the only alteration to England’s XI for the day-night Test. Despite Adelaide’s reputation as the most spin-friendly surface of this Ashes, England have again chosen not to include off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, a decision that has surprised many observers. Bashir was also left out of the defeats in Perth and Brisbane, where conditions were deemed unsuitable for frontline spin.
Australia, however, appear set to take a different approach. Their veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon is almost certain to return at Adelaide, a venue where he has enjoyed exceptional success. Lyon holds the record for the most Test wickets at the ground, with 63 scalps, and his presence is expected to be central to Australia’s plans.
The contrast has prompted debate over England’s strategy. If Australia can justify Lyon’s inclusion on a spin-friendly surface, why have England persisted without Bashir? The answer appears to lie in England’s continued faith in pace, bounce and variation. Tongue’s height gives him a high release point, something England head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes believe can be particularly effective on Australian pitches, even those offering turn.
Tongue’s selection is also backed by performance. Since making his Test debut in 2023, the right-arm quick has taken 31 wickets in six Tests at an average of 30. He impressed notably during last July’s home series against India, claiming 19 wickets in three matches to finish as England’s leading wicket-taker in that contest. According to ESPNcricinfo, it was Tongue’s proven wicket-taking ability that ultimately swayed the selectors.
England, with no margin for error remaining, must win in Adelaide to keep the Ashes alive. The third Test gets under way early Wednesday morning (Bangladesh time), with England hoping that Tongue’s pace and bounce can breach Australia’s formidable batting line-up and spark a series comeback.
Key Bowling Comparisons
| Player | Tests | Overs (Ashes 2025) | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gus Atkinson | 2 | 54 | 236 | 3 | 78.66 |
| Josh Tongue | 6 (career) | — | — | 31 | 30.00 |
| Nathan Lyon (Adelaide) | — | — | — | 63 wickets | — |
With the Ashes slipping away, England’s bold call to trust a towering pacer over a specialist spinner could yet define the direction of the series.
