Continuing with their tradition, England have named their playing XI two days before a matchday. Now, with the Adelaide Test lined up, the Three Lions have revealed their team, with Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson. Going into the third Ashes Test, the visitors are in a huge quandary after losing the first two Tests quite comfortably in Perth and Brisbane. Now, England also have to face a returning Pat Cummins, who didn’t feature in the opening two games due to his recovery from the injury.
ENG Playing XI: Atkinson dropped, Will Jacks continues
Despite getting mauled in the first two Tests, England have stuck to their plans. They have once again ignored specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir, with Will Jacks continuing to slot in as a spin option. He bats at number eight and showed maturity with the willow at the Gabba. However, England have dropped Atkinson, who has averaged a horrible 78.6 so far with the ball, took just three wickets in the four innings he bowled in.
England bowlers have consistently been short to Australia. In fact, none of the England seamers, including Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, have been successful. England have gone for a wicket-taker in Tongue, rather than the more controlled approach that Matthew Potts might have brought to the table. The pacer is set to earn his seventh Test cap since making his debut in the 2023 home season, with 31 scalps at an average of 30.
England playing XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (captain)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Will Jacks
- Brydon Carse
- Jofra Archer
- Josh Tongue
Editor's Pick
Cricket
IPL 2026 Auction FAQ: 5Ws & 3Hs answered as franchises prepare battle for players in Abu Dhabi
Top Stories
