Australia stands on the brink of reclaiming the Ashes urn as the historic series moves to Adelaide Oval for a crucial day-night Test starting Wednesday. After delivering two crushing defeats to England in the opening matches, the home side needs just one more victory to secure the series, leaving the visitors in a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive.
Team News: Cummins and Lyon Return for Australia
The Australian side has been bolstered by the return of two key figures. Skipper Pat Cummins is back to lead the attack for his first appearance of this Ashes series. In a significant selection decision, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon also returns to the lineup after his controversial omission for the second Test.
To accommodate the returning stars, fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser have been omitted. At the top of the order, Jake Weatherald and Travis Head have retained their spots, meaning experienced opener Usman Khawaja has been overlooked for this match.
England, desperate to turn the tide, have made one change to their bowling attack. Fast bowler Josh Tongue comes into the side, replacing Gus Atkinson.
Australia's XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
England's XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
How to Watch the Adelaide Ashes Test Live
Every single delivery of the Ashes will be broadcast live and free across Australia on the Seven Network. The coverage begins at 9:00 AM ACDT (9:30 AM AEDT), with the first ball scheduled for 10:00 AM ACDT (10:30 AM AEDT).
Here is the full breakdown of local start times:
- Sydney & Melbourne: 9:30 AM live on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
- Brisbane: 10:30 AM live on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
- Adelaide: 9:00 AM live on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
- Perth: 6:30 AM live on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
High Stakes at the Adelaide Oval
The pressure is immense for both sides, but for starkly different reasons. Australia, playing in front of a home crowd, has the opportunity to wrap up the series in emphatic fashion. The return of their captain and premier spinner provides a massive boost as they look to capitalise on their dominant position.
For England, the equation is simple but daunting: win or the Ashes are gone. After two humiliating losses, their campaign is on life support. Their sole change indicates a search for more penetration with the pink ball under the Adelaide lights, a strategy that must pay immediate dividends.
All eyes will be on the iconic Adelaide Oval as this pivotal chapter of the Ashes saga unfolds.
