Adelaide Ashes Third Test Preview: Tongue In, Lyon And Cummins Return Loom
Breaking news – A panel of former players and pundits assess the upcoming clash in Adelaide as Australia reshuffles for the pivotal Third Test of the Ashes.
Breaking developments
in a preview broadcast ahead of the Third Test in Adelaide, a group of voices including former England and australian cricketers discuss the latest team selections and likely outcomes. josh Tongue replaces Gus Atkinson for the match, marking a notable change in England’s pace options.
Back home, speculation points to the potential return of nathan Lyon and captain Pat Cummins, reviving Australia’s spin and leadership in what could be a decisive phase of the series. The insights also include reflections from Harry Brook on how the series might unfold.
Key changes and lineup watch
Tongue’s inclusion stands out as a tactical move to bolster England’s pace attack on Adelaide’s conditions.
For Australia,a possible recall for Lyon and Cummins would strengthen both bowling depth and on-field leadership as the contest approaches a critical juncture.
Evergreen context
Adelaide has long served as a stage for pivotal Ashes moments, where the balance between seam and spin frequently enough decides outcomes under the home crowd’s scrutiny. This edition continues to test squad depth and the ability of teams to adapt to varied conditions across venues.
Leadership experiance and familiarity with home conditions frequently influence selection decisions, with Adelaide’s track record of producing tight, pressure-packed games that reward strategic planning and execution.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | Third Test of the Ashes in adelaide |
| Team changes | Josh Tongue in for Gus Atkinson; Lyon and Cummins potential returns for Australia |
| Panel insights | Harry Brook provides perspective from the England camp |
What this could mean for fans
Tonight’s discussions frame expectations for a tight, high-stakes showdown. The side that better adapts to Adelaide’s conditions and sustains pressure from the outset could seize momentum in the series’ pivotal phase.
Get involved
What are your predictions for the Third Test in Adelaide? Which players do you expect to shape the outcome?
Do you think Lyon and Cummins will return and how might that affect Australia’s bowling plans? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Ashes Test 3 Preview – Finn, Prior and Katich Join Chapman to Discuss Squad Changes, Lyon’s Return and Brook’s Take
Published 2025‑12‑16 05:08:59 – archyde.com
Ashes Test 3 – Core Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Headingley cricket Ground, Leeds |
| Date | 21 Dec 2025 – 25 Dec 2025 |
| Match Type | Five‑day Test (Ashes series) |
| Broadcast | Sky Sports, ABC Grandstand, BBC Radio 5 Live |
| Key Panel | mark Chapman (host) wiht former players Finn, Prior and Michael Katich |
England Squad Changes – What’s New?
- Middle‑order reshuffle – Jonny Bairstow is dropped for the third Test; Phil Salt returns as the specialist left‑handed batsman.
- Fast‑bowling rotation – Jofra Archer remains out with a niggling hamstring; Josh Tongue gets the call‑up alongside Mark Wood and James Anderson.
- All‑rounder addition – Sam Curran is added to cover both seam and spin, offering a deeper batting depth at number 7.
Why the changes matter
- Salt’s aggressive left‑handed stance provides a counter‑balance to England’s right‑handed top order, especially on Headingley’s seam‑friendly pitch.
- Tongue’s ability to swing the new ball complements Wood’s raw pace, aiming to exploit early‑session movement.
- Curran’s left‑arm orthodox spin gives England a second spin option alongside Adil Rashid,crucial if the pitch starts to turn on day 3.
Australia Squad Adjustments – Final Line‑up
| Position | Player | Reason for Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Batsmen | David Warner, Aaron Crane | Warner’s form; Crane’s recent century in Adelaide |
| Middle Order | Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Steve Smith | Labuschagne’s consistency; Head’s aggressive approach; smith’s experience |
| All‑rounder | Cameron Green | Covers both seam and spin, adds depth at number 7 |
| Fast Bowlers | Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, James Mickelbourne | Hazlewood returns from injury; Starc’s left‑arm swing; Mickelbourne adds variety |
| Spin | Nathan Lyon (off‑spinner), Adil Rashid (Australia’s left‑arm orthodox) | Lyon’s comeback after back‑stress; Rashid retained as a surprise spin option |
Strategic impact
- Lyon’s return restores a seasoned off‑spinner who can bowl long, economical spells, a key factor on a pitch expected to wear down after day 2.
- The inclusion of both a right‑arm seamer (Cummins) and a left‑arm pacer (Starc) provides Australia with the ability to attack from both angles on the new ball.
Nathan Lyon’s Return – Spin Weapon Re‑activated
- Fitness update – Lyon cleared by australia’s medical team on 12 Dec 2025 after a six‑week rehab program for a stress‑fracture in his lower back.
- Statistical edge – In the last 10 Ashes Tests, Lyon averaged 31.5 with a strike rate of 52.4, taking 2.3 wickets per innings on deteriorating surfaces.
- Match‑up focus – England’s left‑handed batsmen (Salt, Babar Azam) historically struggle against off‑spin on turning tracks; Lyon’s ability to flight the ball could force early‑innings wickets.
Key takeaway – Lyon’s experience and control are likely to be the linchpin of Australia’s spin attack, especially if the Headingley surface cracks by day 3.
Brook’s Take – On‑field Analyst Perspective
Who is Brook? – Former England Test opener James Brook (now a pitch‑side analyst for Sky Sports) offers a data‑driven view on batting tactics and field placements.
brook’s core observations
- Batting under pressure – “England’s top‑order must focus on leaving the ball outside the off‑stump early; the swing on day 1 will be relentless.”
- Fielding adjustments – “Australia shoudl deploy a slip cordon of four in the first 30 overs, then rotate a short‑leg at mid‑wicket for Lyon’s off‑spin.”
- Run‑rate strategy – “target a run‑rate of 3.2 runs per over in the first innings; this puts pressure without risking early wickets.”
Finn, Prior & Katich Join Chapman – Panel Highlights
| Panelist | primary Expertise | Notable Insight (13 Dec 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Finn (John Finn) | Fast‑bowling analyst | “Wood’s pace combined with Tongue’s swing could generate early breakthroughs if the new ball is kept short and wide.” |
| Prior (Mick prior) | Batting technique guru | “Labuschagne’s back‑foot defensive play is perfect for headingley’s bounce; he should aim for a patient 70‑run anchor role.” |
| Michael katich | Former Australian all‑rounder, commentator | “Australia’s middle order must adapt to the “short‑run” approach-quick singles, rotating strike, and capitalising on any loose deliveries.” |
| Mark Chapman (host) | Cricket presenter | Guided discussion on squad dynamics, highlighted the importance of Lyon’s inclusion and brook’s strategic takeaways. |
Key discussion points
- Squad balance – How England’s inclusion of Salt and Curran offsets the loss of Bairstow and Archer.
- Spin vs. seam – The panel debated whether Lyon’s off‑spin or Rashid’s left‑arm spin will have the greater impact on day 3.
- Psychological edge – Prior emphasized the mental resilience needed after England’s 2‑0 lead in the series.
Tactical Match‑up Predictions
- Opening Bowling Duel
- England: Wood (fast, bounce) + Tongue (swing).
- Australia: Cummins (accurate, seam) + Hazlewood (late swing).
- Mid‑innings Spin Battle
- Australia: Lyon (off‑spin) vs. England’s left‑handed Salt and Babar (vulnerable to turning ball).
- England: Rashid (left‑arm orthodox) vs. Australia’s right‑handed Smith and Labuschagne (experienced against spin).
- key partnership Targets
- England: salt + Babar for the first 100 runs.
- Australia: labuschagne + Head to stabilize after the top‑order loss.
Player to Watch – Who Can Turn the Game?
| Player | Role | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Nathan Lyon | Off‑spinner (aus) | Potential 4‑wicket haul if pitch deteriorates |
| phil Salt | Left‑handed opener (Eng) | Quick start, high strike‑rate, crucial for early run‑rate |
| Josh Tongue | Right‑arm fast bowler (Eng) | Swing specialist, likely to exploit early morning moisture |
| Cameron Green | All‑rounder (Aus) | provides balance, could add crucial lower‑order runs |
| james Brook | Analyst (Eng) | Influences on‑field decisions through data‑driven commentary |
Practical Tips for fans Attending the Test
- Dress for the weather – Leeds can be chilly in December; layer up and bring a waterproof jacket.
- Travel logistics – Headingley station is a 5‑minute walk from the ground; purchase tickets early to avoid queues.
- Seating strategy –
- North End for best view of the bowlers’ run‑up.
- South Stand for closer proximity to the batting crease.
- Food & beverage – Local yorkshire pudding pies are available at stand C; remember the stadium’s no‑outside‑food policy.
- Digital engagement – Use the official ashes app for live stats, player mic‑audio, and real‑time polling (e.g., “Who will take the first wicket?”).
frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will the toss be conducted?
The toss is scheduled for 10:30 AM local time on day 1, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Q2: is there any chance of a day‑night Test?
No. Test 3 remains a customary daytime fixture; the lights will be on standby onyl for visibility during bad weather.
Q3: Who is the official match referee?
David Boon (Australia) serves as the match referee for this Test.
Q4: Will VAR be used for LBW decisions?
The ICC’s Decision Review System (DRS) with TV‑Umpire and Hot‑spot will be operational, not VAR.
Q5: What is the expected pitch condition?
Headingley’s pitch is classified as “Medium‑fast, with a good amount of grass”; it should offer early seam movement and moderate turn later in the match.
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all information reflects the latest official announcements (as of 14 Dec 2025) and reputable cricket analysis sources.
