England Double Down on Core for Adelaide Ashes Test—Is This Faith or Fatalism?
Two losses. Zero wins. And yet, the England Ashes squad remains almost untouched. In a move that’s equal parts defiant and daring, England’s selectors have backed their core group for the must-win third Test in Adelaide, making just a single change: fast bowler Josh Tongue comes in for Gus Atkinson .
After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Melbourne, many expected a full-scale overhaul—especially with the batting lineup repeatedly crumbling under Australian pressure. But head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have chosen a different path: trust over turbulence. Is this a masterstroke of belief, or a dangerous gamble with the urn already slipping away? Let’s unpack the strategy, the stakes, and what it means for the rest of the series.
Table of Contents
- Why England Is Sticking with Its Ashes Core
- The Only Change: Josh Tongue Enters the Fray
- Battling Questions: The Top Seven Under Scrutiny
- Will Jacks’ Role in a Spin-Friendly Adelaide
- Historical Context: England’s Last Stand in Adelaide
- What This Means for the Ashes Series
- Conclusion
- Sources
Why England Is Sticking with Its Ashes Core
Despite losing the first two Tests by convincing margins, the England camp insists there’s “no panic” . This mantra echoes the philosophy of the Bazball era: aggressive intent, unwavering belief in personnel, and a refusal to overreact to short-term setbacks.
According to sources within the camp, the leadership group believes the failures were more about execution than selection. “The plans were sound, but the execution let us down,” a senior team official told reporters . “Changing the group now would send the wrong message.”
This approach reflects a long-term vision. Many of England’s current batsmen—like Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope—are seen as pillars of the post-Joe Root rebuild. Dropping them after two tough Tests on Australian soil could derail years of project-building.
The Only Change: Josh Tongue Enters the Fray
The lone alteration sees Josh Tongue, the 26-year-old pace bowler from Worcestershire, earn his place in the XI. Tongue, known for his ability to generate steep bounce and subtle seam movement, is seen as a better fit for the Adelaide Oval pitch, which traditionally offers more assistance to fast bowlers than the MCG .
Atkinson, despite showing flashes of promise in Melbourne, struggled with consistency in his line and length—a critical flaw against Australia’s seasoned top order. Tongue’s inclusion isn’t just a swap; it’s a tactical recalibration.
Battling Questions: The Top Seven Under Scrutiny
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of this England Ashes squad decision is the retention of the entire top seven batting order. Players like Harry Brook and Joe Root have looked out of sorts, with none of the top four passing 50 in four innings across the first two Tests .
Yet, the management is banking on a “bounce-back” mentality. The Adelaide Oval has historically been a happy hunting ground for English batsmen—Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott famously dominated there in 2010–11 . The hope is that a change of venue and a must-win mindset will unlock their best form.
Will Jacks’ Role in a Spin-Friendly Adelaide
Another point of interest is the continued selection of off-spinner Will Jacks. While Adelaide isn’t traditionally a spinner’s paradise, the pitch has been known to slow down on days four and five—especially under the day-night lights .
Jacks offers the dual benefit of a genuine spin option and explosive lower-order hitting. In a game where every run could be critical, his all-round utility is seen as too valuable to discard—even if his bowling figures haven’t dazzled yet.
Historical Context: England’s Last Stand in Adelaide
History is both a comfort and a curse for England in Adelaide. On one hand, they’ve staged famous comebacks there—including the 2010 series-levelling win. On the other, they haven’t won a Test at the venue since 2010 .
What’s more, no team in Ashes history has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit to win the series. The pressure is immense, but so is the opportunity for legacy-defining heroics.
What This Means for the Ashes Series
By refusing to tinker with the England Ashes squad, the management is making a clear statement: they believe this group has what it takes to turn the series around. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy. If it works, they’ll be hailed as visionary leaders. If it fails, they’ll face intense criticism for stubbornness.
For fans and fantasy cricket managers alike, this decision means continuity in player selection—offering a stable (if underperforming) pool to track and analyze ahead of the Day-Night Test [[INTERNAL_LINK:ashes_fantasy_cricket_tips]].
Conclusion
England’s unchanged core for the Adelaide Test is more than a team sheet—it’s a philosophy in action. In an era of reactive team management, their commitment to trust and process stands out. Whether that faith is repaid with a series-altering victory or further heartbreak remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: there will be no excuses, no scapegoats, and no retreat. This is England’s Ashes line in the sand.
Sources
- Times of India: No panic! England back core for Adelaide Test
- ESPNcricinfo: Australia vs England, 2nd Test Scorecard
- ICC Cricket: England Squad Announcement for 3rd Ashes Test
- Wisden Almanack: England’s Ashes History at Adelaide Oval
- Cricket Australia: Adelaide Oval Pitch Forecast for Day-Night Test