England Ashes Test: Brook aims for control in Adelaide

Published: 15 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

England have made a single, carefully judged change to their playing eleven ahead of the third Ashes Test, as the series reaches a defining moment in Adelaide. With Australia leading 2–0 and poised to retain the urn, England’s margin for error has vanished entirely. Josh Tongue comes into the side as a like-for-like replacement for Gus Atkinson, a decision reflecting both faith in the broader squad and a desire for fresh impact in the bowling attack.

Atkinson’s omission follows a difficult start to his Ashes campaign, despite moments of resilience that hinted at his underlying quality. In the opening Test in Perth, he went wicketless but contributed a valuable 37 runs in the second innings, offering lower-order resistance when England needed it. His second outing in Brisbane brought improved returns, claiming three wickets while conceding 151 runs, yet it was not enough to halt Australia’s dominant momentum.

Tongue’s inclusion brings proven red-ball experience and a previous reminder of his ability to trouble Australian batters. The right-arm seamer has taken 31 wickets in six Test matches at an average just over 30, numbers that underline his effectiveness at the highest level. His five-wicket haul against Australia at Lord’s in 2023 remains a career highlight and a performance England will hope he can draw inspiration from under the lights at Adelaide Oval.

The selectors’ decision to make only one change speaks volumes about their wider approach. Despite England’s batters struggling collectively across the first two Tests, there has been no reshuffle of personnel or positions. Instead, the management has doubled down on continuity, trusting that the same group can deliver when circumstances align more favourably. It is a strategy rooted in belief, but also in necessity, given the limited time available to reverse fortunes.

England’s defeats in Perth and Brisbane were both by eight wickets, margins that reflect Australia’s control rather than complete English collapse. In each match, there were phases where England competed strongly, only to lose ground during critical sessions. Those moments have become the focal point of analysis within the camp, as players search for marginal gains that could shift the balance.

Harry Brook, England’s vice-captain and one of their most gifted batters, has been candid about his own contributions so far. Across four innings, Brook has scored 98 runs, a tally that falls short of expectations set by his explosive rise in Test cricket. Rather than deflecting criticism, the 26-year-old has openly acknowledged that some of his shot selections have let him down.

Speaking at Adelaide Oval ahead of the Test, Brook admitted he may need to temper his natural aggression. He described one dismissal in Perth as “bad batting”, recalling a bouncer that he attempted to drive, a decision he would reconsider given another chance. In Brisbane, he fell attempting to clear the boundary, another moment where ambition outweighed situation.

Brook’s reflections underline a broader challenge facing England’s batting group. Under coach Brendon McCullum, the team has embraced an assertive style that seeks to dominate bowlers rather than survive them. That philosophy has delivered remarkable successes, but the Ashes have presented conditions and opponents capable of exploiting any lapse in judgement.

McCullum has been clear that England will not abandon their aggressive intent, even after heavy defeats. However, Brook’s comments suggest a subtle recalibration rather than a retreat. The emphasis, he explained, is on reading the game more accurately, choosing when to attack and when to accumulate. In Adelaide, where conditions can reward patience as much as flair, that balance will be tested relentlessly.

Australia, meanwhile, arrive with confidence and clarity. Their bowlers have applied sustained pressure, rarely offering easy scoring opportunities. Brook was quick to credit their discipline, noting that they have consistently executed plans during high-pressure moments. That contrast, he suggested, has been decisive so far.

Within the England camp, discussions have focused on staying present and resisting the weight of the series situation. With Australia able to clinch the Ashes in Adelaide, the psychological challenge is as significant as the tactical one. Brook spoke of the need to remain “in the moment”, concentrating on each ball rather than the looming consequence of defeat.

Pressure situations have been a recurring theme throughout the first two Tests. Brook acknowledged that England have not yet matched Australia when matches have hung in the balance. Small advantages have slipped away, allowing the hosts to seize control and extend leads. Recognising that pattern is the first step, but correcting it will require collective resolve.

As one of England’s brightest stars, Brook has inevitably attracted scrutiny. Yet he insists that external criticism plays no role in his preparation. His focus, he said, remains on scoring runs and contributing to the team’s cause. For players of his calibre, these moments define careers, offering the chance to change narratives through performance rather than words.

Brook’s determination reflects a broader mindset within the squad. There is an understanding that the series can still be competitive, even if the urn is lost. Pride, momentum, and belief are all at stake, particularly with two Tests remaining after Adelaide. Avoiding a 3–0 deficit has become the immediate objective, providing something tangible to fight for.

Josh Tongue’s role could prove pivotal in that pursuit. Adelaide’s conditions often favour bowlers who can extract bounce and movement, especially under lights. Tongue’s ability to hit the deck hard and generate awkward angles offers England a different dynamic, complementing the pace of Jofra Archer and the emerging presence of Brydon Carse.

England’s confirmed team reflects continuity alongside that single change. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open, followed by Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Brook in the middle order. Captain Ben Stokes leads a side that also includes Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Carse, Archer, and Tongue. It is a line-up that blends experience with athleticism, but now requires cohesion under pressure.

As the third Test approaches, the narrative is clear. England stand at a crossroads, facing the prospect of an early Ashes defeat or the chance to reignite the contest. One selection change may seem modest, yet its significance is magnified by the circumstances. In Adelaide, execution will matter more than intent, and moments will define outcomes.

For Brook and his teammates, the challenge is to harness their natural instincts without being consumed by them. If England can find that equilibrium, the third Test could yet become a turning point, restoring belief and reminding supporters why this side has captured attention worldwide.