Overview
- England trail 2-0 after back-to-back eight-wicket defeats and must win in Adelaide on Wednesday to keep the five-match Ashes alive, ending a 17-match winless run in Australia.
- Ben Stokes said the team held "raw" conversations following Brisbane, reiterated that his dressing room is "no place for weak men," and challenged players to fight in every situation.
- The only change to the XI sees seamer Josh Tongue replace Gus Atkinson, who has three wickets at 78.66 this series; Tongue took five wickets on his Ashes debut in 2023 and has dismissed Steve Smith twice.
- Shoaib Bashir is left out despite Adelaide’s reputation for aiding spin, with Will Jacks retained at No. 8 for extra batting; Australia have recalled Nathan Lyon.
- Vice-captain Harry Brook admitted to "bad" dismissals and said he will rein in his approach, while Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum said they are not focused on job speculation.