England playing XI for third Ashes 2025-26 Test announced; Gus Atkinson dropped

England have confirmed their playing XI for the third Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, starting on Wednesday, December 17. The visitors have made one change to the side, with fast bowler Josh Tongue brought back into the team as they look to keep the series alive in a must-win encounter.

England lost the second Test by eight wickets in Brisbane and conceded a 0-2 lead to Australia. Gus Atkinson has been left out of the playing XI. Spinner Shoaib Bashir has once again missed out, with England continuing to place their trust in Will Jacks. The team management has backed Jacks over Bashir as the lone spinner.

England Confirm Playing XI for the Third Ashes Test

The visiting team confirmed their playing XI for the third Ashes Test in an official announcement. Josh Tongue has replaced Gus Atkinson for the upcoming Adelaide Test.

“England Men have announced their team for the third Ashes Test match at Adelaide Oval. We’ve made one change from the second Test in Brisbane, with seamer Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson,” the statement read.

Playing XI for third Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

More to follow…

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