England have opted for a bold change ahead of the crucial third Ashes Test at Adelaide, leaving out Gus Atkinson and turning instead to the towering fast bowler Josh Tongue as they attempt to revive a faltering campaign. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches, Tongue has been drafted in to replace Atkinson, whose struggles in the opening two Tests left little room for argument when the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) unveiled the playing XI.
Atkinson featured in both the Perth and Brisbane Tests but endured a difficult run. Across four innings, he bowled 54 overs, conceded 236 runs and claimed only three wickets—figures that represent the least effective return among England’s bowlers in this Ashes series. With England already trailing 2–0 in the five-match contest, the pressure to act decisively was unavoidable, and the selectors have responded by backing Tongue’s proven wicket-taking ability.
The change is the only alteration to England’s side for the Adelaide Test, a venue widely regarded as the most spin-friendly surface of this Ashes series. That context has sparked debate, particularly over the continued absence of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. Many observers expected Bashir to come into contention given Adelaide’s reputation, yet England have again resisted the temptation to bolster their spin resources.
England’s thinking mirrors, to some extent, Australia’s own approach earlier in the series. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon was barely used in Perth, bowling just two overs, and was omitted entirely in Brisbane. However, Lyon’s return at Adelaide is all but certain. The experienced Australian spinner boasts an outstanding record at the ground, having taken a record 63 Test wickets there—an achievement that underlines the venue’s suitability for spin.
The contrast between Australia’s likely selection of Lyon and England’s continued omission of Bashir has raised eyebrows. Bashir, also standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, offers a high release point that can extract bounce even on Australian pitches—an attribute previously appreciated by head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Yet England appear determined to persist with their pace-led strategy, placing faith in Tongue’s ability to strike rather than opting for a specialist spinner.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Tongue’s inclusion is driven by his consistent knack for taking wickets since making his Test debut in 2023. In just six Tests, he has claimed 31 wickets at an average of 30, figures that underline his attacking potential. His standout performance came last July against India, when he collected 19 wickets in three matches during a five-Test home series, finishing as England’s leading wicket-taker.
For England, the stakes could scarcely be higher. Defeat in Adelaide would all but end their hopes of retaining the Ashes. The third Test gets under way in the early hours of Wednesday morning (Bangladesh time), with England desperate for a turnaround.
Key Bowling Figures Ahead of the Adelaide Test
| Player | Matches (Ashes 2025) | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gus Atkinson | 2 Tests | 54 | 236 | 3 |
| Josh Tongue (career) | 6 Tests | — | — | 31 |
| Nathan Lyon (Adelaide Tests) | — | — | — | 63 |
England’s selection gamble at Adelaide reflects both urgency and intent. Whether the height and aggression of Josh Tongue can conquer a spin-friendly fortress remains the defining question of this pivotal Ashes encounter.