Adelaide, 16 December 2025:
England captain Ben Stokes has urged his team to “show a bit of dog” as it fights to keep the Ashes alive in the third Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval.
England trail the five-match series 2-0 and must end a 17-match winless run in Australia to remain in contention for the urn. The Test begins Wednesday.
After England’s defeat in the second Test at Brisbane, Stokes said the dressing room was “no place for weak men” and revealed the team had held frank discussions in the eight days since the loss.
“It’s about fighting in every situation you find yourself in,” Stokes said. “Understanding what’s required for your team and showing a bit of dog. That’s fight to me.”
The match marks a return to Adelaide for Stokes, who made his Test debut at the ground 12 years ago and was involved in a high-profile on-field clash with Australia wicket-keeper Brad Haddin.
Stokes said England drew inspiration from its narrow 22-run win over India at Lord’s in July, when the team produced what he described as a near-perfect performance under pressure.
“That was a moment where we all identified what was needed,” he said. “The attitude and mentality in that situation gave us the best chance to win, and we did.”
England have made one change from the second Test, selecting Josh Tongue in place of fellow pace bowler Gus Atkinson. All-rounder Will Jacks retains his spot, with off-spinner Shoaib Bashir omitted despite conditions in Adelaide traditionally favoring spin and forecast temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit).
Stokes said the decision was tactical rather than a reflection on Bashir, who has taken 2 for 266 in two matches on the tour.
“We’re 2-0 down and we need to win the next three,” Stokes said. “Having Jacksy at No. 8 strengthens our batting depth and he’s capable with the ball when needed.”
England are seeking to avoid another heavy Ashes defeat in Australia, having lost the past three series there 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0. Such results have often led to changes in leadership.
Head coach Brendon McCullum said Sunday that speculation about his position did not concern him, a view echoed by Stokes.
“My job is to captain this team and lead it in the best possible way,” Stokes said. “I’ll never put self-protection ahead of what’s best for the team. That’s not how Brendon or I operate and it never will be.”
