England Confirms Playing XI for Crucial Ashes Test Against Australia
As England prepares for a pivotal Ashes Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, the team has announced its playing eleven. After suffering two consecutive defeats in the series, England is determined to secure a win to keep their Ashes hopes alive. The inclusion of Josh Tongue marks his return to red-ball cricket, while Ben Stokes continues to lead the team. With a strong batting lineup and a focused bowling attack, England faces a critical challenge in this 'do or die' match. The Test is set to begin on December 17, making it a crucial moment for the English squad.
| Dec 16, 2025, 15:41 IST
England's Lineup Ahead of the Ashes Test
Before the upcoming Ashes Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, England has announced its playing eleven. Following two consecutive losses in the series, the English team aims to secure a victory to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
According to the latest updates, England has made one change to their squad, replacing fast bowler Gus Atkinson with Josh Tongue in the playing eleven. Ben Stokes will continue to lead the team in this match, while Will Jacks retains his spot in the lineup after the Brisbane Test.
This match is particularly significant for Josh Tongue, as he returns to red-ball cricket for England for the first time since the Test against India at The Oval in July. In that match, England faced a narrow defeat by six runs, but Tongue impressed with his pace and aggressive bowling.
The 28-year-old fast bowler has taken 31 wickets in his six Test appearances so far. Notably, five of those wickets were claimed against Australia in his only Test match, leading the team management to expect a crucial contribution from him once again.
England's batting will once again rely on the opening partnership of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, while stability and aggression are expected from the middle order, including Joe Root, Harry Brook, and captain Ben Stokes. Jamie Smith has been given the wicketkeeper role, and the bowling attack will feature a key trio of Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse.
Currently, England is trailing 0-2 in the Ashes series. Australia secured an eight-wicket victory in the first Test in Perth, followed by another win by the same margin in the second Test at the Gabba. The Adelaide Test is set to commence on December 17, with two more matches scheduled in Melbourne and Sydney. Therefore, this Test is viewed as a 'do or die' situation for England.
Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (Captain), Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue