Australia are currently leading the 2025-26 Ashes series 2-0 after dominant wins in the first two Tests, putting England under pressure heading into the third Test at Adelaide Oval. A victory here would give Australia an unassailable series lead.
Australia crushed England in Perth by chasing a target in just 28.2 overs after overcoming a first-innings deficit, highlighted by Travis Head‘s 123. In the second Test, Australia posted 511 in Brisbane before bowling England out cheaply, with Michael Neser starring despite Nathan Lyon‘s absence. England captain Ben Stokes has urged his side to “unleash the dog” amid calls for resilience.
Adelaide Oval Pitch Report
The Adelaide Oval pitch for the 3rd Ashes Test 2025-26 sets up a balanced daytime red-ball battle with true pace, bounce, and carry that rewards batters who settle in, though recent Sheffield Shield matches reveal quicker deterioration than anticipated. Australia’s Alex Carey cautions against labeling it a batting paradise, noting seamers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jofra Archer, and Josh Tongue will extract early movement and lateral nip under sunny conditions, while fuller lengths could induce edges from openers like Head and Zak Crawley.
As the surface dries, Lyon’s spin sharpens with increasing turn, potentially troubling England’s middle order including Joe Root and Harry Brook, given Australia’s dominance in the last three Tests here. Short boundaries (65-70m square) invite aggression, but historical data shows 60% of wickets falling to pace early and spin later, tilting odds toward the hosts in this crucial series decider.
Test stats and records at Adelaide Oval
- Total Matches: 86
- Matches won batting first: 41
- Matches won bowling first: 25
- Average 1st innings Score: 377
- Average 2nd innings Score: 346
- Average 3rd innings Score: 267
- Average 4th innings Score: 205
- Highest total recorded: 674/10 (151.3 Ovs) by Australia vs India
- Lowest total recorded: 77/10 (40.5 Ovs) by West Indies vs Australia
- Highest score chased: 315/6 (134 Ovs) by Australia vs England
- Lowest score defended: 184/10 (79 Ovs) by Australia vs West Indies
