Josh Tongue’s Wicket Blitz Seals Third Ashes Test Spot

By Harshit - Dec 16, 2025 12:04 AM
Last updated on Dec 16, 2025 12:04 AM

England’s selection for the third Ashes Test has once again sparked intense debate, as Ben Stokes and the team management doubled down on their belief in impact over conditions. With the series slipping away and England trailing 2-0, every decision has come under scrutiny, particularly as the contest moves to Adelaide, traditionally known for offering something to spin.

Instead of leaning into conventional wisdom, England have opted for a bold reshuffle of their bowling resources. Josh Tongue has been drafted into the XI, replacing Gus Atkinson, while Shoaib Bashir has been left out despite expectations of a spin-friendly surface. The choices underline England’s continued commitment to aggression, unpredictability, and wicket-taking intent.

Captain Ben Stokes has been clear that the guiding principle behind the selection is simple: taking wickets remains the fastest way to wrest momentum back in the Ashes. Tongue’s inclusion, Stokes believes, brings a natural edge that England need at this stage of the series.

Josh Tongue Gets the Nod for Adelaide Test

Josh Tongue’s return to the playing XI represents England’s only change ahead of the crucial third Test. The 28-year-old fast bowler has built a reputation as a strike option who can alter the course of a match in short bursts. With 31 Test wickets from just six matches, Tongue has demonstrated an ability to make breakthroughs even when conditions appear unresponsive.

Ben Stokes described Tongue as a bowler with a “natural wicket-taking ability,” highlighting his knack for producing decisive moments. Unlike bowlers who rely on relentless pressure, Tongue often delivers clusters of wickets, turning games swiftly. This quality, Stokes believes, could be vital on an Adelaide pitch that may not offer excessive bounce or movement.

Tongue’s unconventional action also played a role in his selection. By delivering the ball with his arm beyond the perpendicular, he creates angles that batters find difficult to read. England feel that introducing a fresh look into their attack will pose new problems for Australia’s batting lineup.

Gus Atkinson Left Out Despite Backing

Gus Atkinson’s omission is not a reflection of a lack of faith, according to the England captain. Atkinson has struggled for returns in the series so far, taking just three wickets across 54 overs. While his effort and discipline have been praised, his reduced pace and limited impact prompted the management to rotate their seamers.

Stokes was quick to defend Atkinson, calling him “incredibly unlucky,” particularly with the new ball. He stressed that expecting a fast bowler to play all five Tests in such demanding conditions is unrealistic, making rotation inevitable as the series progresses.

With Atkinson stepping aside, Brydon Carse will share the new ball with Jofra Archer. England see Carse as a relentless option who may not always be at his sharpest but consistently gives maximum effort and finds ways to contribute.

Spin Debate: Shoaib Bashir Overlooked

Perhaps the most talked-about decision is the omission of Shoaib Bashir, even at a venue where spin has historically played a role. Stokes had earlier labelled Bashir as England’s “number one spinner,” making his absence particularly notable.

Instead, England have opted for Will Jacks as their primary spin option. Jacks’ all-round contributions in the previous Test, including valuable runs, a wicket, and an outstanding catch, weighed heavily in his favour. His presence also deepens England’s batting lineup, offering flexibility if early wickets fall.

Stokes emphasised that Bashir’s omission should not be viewed as a loss of confidence. Rather, it reflects England’s immediate need for balance and resilience with both bat and ball, especially while chasing results in a must-win Test.

Why Will Jacks Retains His Place

Will Jacks’ retention underscores England’s preference for multi-dimensional cricketers. Batting at No. 8, Jacks strengthens the lower order while remaining capable of delivering overs when the situation demands.

Stokes praised Jacks’ composure at the crease and his growing confidence with the ball. While he may not offer the same specialist threat as Bashir, England believe Jacks can control an end and support the seamers effectively.

In a series where margins have been fine, England feel that Jacks’ versatility could prove decisive, particularly if conditions flatten out and long partnerships need to be broken through sustained pressure.

Tongue’s Track Record in Big Matches

Josh Tongue’s credentials extend beyond raw numbers. In his previous Ashes appearance at Lord’s in 2023, he claimed a five-wicket haul, including the prized scalps of Steven Smith. Remarkably, Tongue has dismissed Smith in every innings he has bowled to him across formats and competitions.

His success against top-order batters, combined with his effectiveness against the tail, makes him an appealing option at Adelaide. England see him as a bowler capable of striking at both ends of an innings.

Tongue was also England’s leading wicket-taker against India last summer, further reinforcing his reputation as a bowler for pivotal moments rather than sustained containment.

Conditions at Adelaide Oval Influence Strategy

Adelaide Oval is expected to offer a truer surface compared to the venues used earlier in the series. Stokes suggested that while the pitch may not provide exaggerated bounce, it will reward bowlers who can exploit subtle variations in pace and angle.

England believe Tongue’s attributes align well with these conditions. His ability to extract movement off the seam and surprise batters with sharp spells could be more valuable than relying solely on spin.

The introduction of a two-second increment after move 41 also means bowlers and batters alike will have more control in the latter stages, reducing the chaos often seen under extreme time pressure.

England’s XI and Series Context

With the series on the line, England’s XI reflects a blend of aggression and adaptability. The top order remains unchanged, while the bowling unit has been fine-tuned to maximise wicket-taking potential.

Trailing 2-0, England know that defeat in Adelaide would effectively end their Ashes hopes. As a result, selection decisions have been driven by the desire to create decisive moments rather than simply respond to conditions.

The inclusion of Tongue symbolises this approach: a calculated gamble on a bowler who thrives on disruption and surprise, qualities England desperately need to revive their campaign.

Australia Set for Changes Too

England’s decisions come against the backdrop of expected changes in the Australian camp. With Pat Cummins likely to return as captain and Nathan Lyon pushing for a recall, the hosts may also reshuffle their lineup.

The potential return of Lyon, Australia’s most prolific wicket-taker at Adelaide, adds another layer of intrigue to England’s decision to stick with Jacks over Bashir.

As both teams fine-tune their strategies, the third Test promises to be a defining chapter in the series, shaped as much by selection calls as by performances on the field.

A Statement of Intent from Ben Stokes

Ultimately, England’s selection is a statement of intent from Ben Stokes and the coaching staff. By prioritising wicket-taking threat over traditional matchups, they have reaffirmed their commitment to bold, attacking cricket.

Josh Tongue’s return is not merely a tactical adjustment but a reflection of England’s belief that games are won by moments of impact. Whether that faith is rewarded will unfold over five intense days in Adelaide.

For England, the third Ashes Test is about more than survival—it is about seizing momentum. Tongue’s inclusion represents their hope that one inspired spell can still change the course of the series.

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