Australia lead the 2025-26 Ashes series 2-0 after dominant wins in the first two Tests. England collapsed dramatically in Perth, bowled out for 172 and 164 as Mitchell Starc claimed 7-58, before Travis Head‘s explosive 123 off 83 balls sealed an eight-wicket victory in under two days, the shortest Ashes Test by balls bowled since 1888. In Brisbane, Australia piled up 511 with Starc’s gritty 77 at No.9, then Michael Neser‘s maiden five-for triggered England’s collapse despite resistance from Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks, handing Australia another comprehensive triumph.
Australia welcomed back captain Pat Cummins after a back injury sidelined him for the first two Tests, pairing him with Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon for a balanced attack, Lyon returns after sitting out Brisbane. Their batting remains unchanged, with openers Head and Jake Weatherald thriving, backed by Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, and Cameron Green. England makes one switch, bringing in Josh Tongue for Gus Atkinson, sticking with their top order despite struggles, as captain Stokes seeks a spark from Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse.
Adelaide weather forecast for the 3rd Test
Day 1: Expect very hot conditions at Adelaide Oval with hazy sunshine, highs of 37°C and lows around 19°C, and no precipitation chance. These extreme temperatures, peaking with real feel 38°C and UV index 11.0, favour batting first if teams win the toss, as the heat could sap bowlers’ energy early, mirroring past high-scoring Ashes openers here. Light WNW winds at 15 km/h may offer minimal swing assistance.
Day 2: Very hot and hazy sunshine persists, with highs reaching 42°C and lows of 23°C, zero rain risk but severe heatstroke warnings. Real feel hits 42°C alongside extreme UV (11.0), pressuring fielders and pacers like Starc and Archer during long sessions, potentially leading to a flatter pitch as the heat bakes the surface. NW winds at 19 km/h could quicken bounce for Australia’s seamers.
Day 3: Cooler shift to partly sunny skies, highs of 29°C dropping to 13°C overnight with just 2% rain chance. Real feel 30°C and very high UV (8.0) ease physical demands, aiding spinners like Lyon if the pitch wears, while WSW winds at 19 km/h might introduce seam movement. Not as hot, refreshing for intense middle-order battles.
Day 4: Increasing cloudiness with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C, 3% precipitation odds. Real feel 29°C under extreme UV (11.0) suggests overcast conditions could grip the ball for Lyon and Root’s part-time spin, complicating chases on a potentially deteriorating track. WSW winds at 15 km/h maintain carry for Boland and Tongue.
Day 5: Hazy sun turns breezy, highs of 24°C falling to 10°C with 1% rain risk. Real feel 26°C and extreme UV (11.0) with WSW gusts up to 28 km/h could make batting treacherous on a fifth-day pitch, favoring Australia’s pace trio in a series-clinching push or England’s desperate fightback. Winds amplify swing, heightening drama for a potential finish.
Playing XI of both teams
Australia: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
