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England's Ashes hopes hinge on Adelaide turnaround
Trailing 2-0 in the five-match series, England must secure a victory in the third Test starting Wednesday (23:30 GMT Tuesday) to keep their urn ambitions alive for the first time since 2015. After six days of cricket in Perth and Brisbane, the tourists are on the brink of elimination, with captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum under pressure to reverse their team's fortunes.
Bowling attack refresh on the cards
England's pace battery, touted as their most formidable for an Ashes tour since 1970, has failed to deliver. The initial thrill of their opening-day performance in Perth has faded, leaving the attack searching for consistency. Mark Wood's impending departure further complicates matters, opening the door for Josh Tongue to make his Ashes debut in Adelaide.
Tongue, nicknamed 'The Mop' for his ability to clean up tail-enders, impressed during his lone Ashes appearance at Lord's in 2023, dismissing Steve Smith twice. His strike rate of 44.1 ranks among England's best, trailing only legends like George Lohmann and Sydney Barnes. With Gus Atkinson struggling-his 3-236 series tally flattered by late wickets in Brisbane-Tongue's inclusion appears inevitable.
Jofra Archer, England's spearhead, has yet to replicate his fiery best, while Brydon Carse remains the team's leading wicket-taker despite an underwhelming display at the Gabba. Stokes faces a critical decision: persist with Atkinson or trust Tongue's attacking instincts.
Jamie Smith's slump raises keeper conundrum
Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith's form has collapsed dramatically. After a stellar start to his Test career-highlighted by a match-winning 184 not out against India at Edgbaston-his average has plummeted to 33.8. In his last eight innings, his highest score is 33, with six single-digit dismissals. Behind the stumps, his lethargy cost England a crucial catch in Brisbane, adding to his woes.
A year ago, an injury to reserve keeper Jordan Cox in New Zealand's nets altered England's trajectory. Cox's absence allowed Jacob Bethell to rise through the ranks, while Smith remained burdened by dual responsibilities. Now, with Bethell yet to score a first-class century, England's options are limited. Head coach McCullum hinted at Smith's suitability for Adelaide's shorter boundaries, but if his struggles persist, Ollie Pope may be forced to don the gloves-a move that could disrupt his own fragile batting form.
Pope's precarious position at number three
The number-three slot has become a revolving door for England. Ollie Pope's tenure has been marred by inconsistency, despite being the series' third-highest run-scorer. His vice-captaincy was revoked earlier this year, and his starts-three in four innings-have rarely converted into substantial scores. With Bethell lingering on the fringes, England must decide whether to gamble on the latter's untapped potential or stick with Pope for the series' defining match.
Bethell's lack of a first-class hundred raises questions, but his breakthrough tour of New Zealand suggested promise. Pope's resilience, including a heroic knock against India in 2024, keeps him in the frame, but the Adelaide Test may force England's hand.
Spin dilemma: Jacks or Bashir?
Will Jacks' surprise inclusion in the squad has added a new dimension to England's selection headaches. Initially picked for his pink-ball prowess, Jacks' off-spin and athletic fielding-including a stunning catch to dismiss Smith in Brisbane-have earned him a potential role. Yet, Stokes has repeatedly endorsed Shoaib Bashir as England's primary spinner, leaving the latter's future in doubt.
Bashir, groomed for this tour, took a career-defining wicket against India in July but has struggled since returning from a broken finger, managing just 2-266 in Australian tour matches. With Nathan Lyon's 562 Test wickets looming, England's spin choice is a high-stakes gamble. Jacks' versatility may tip the scales, but Bashir's preparation cannot be ignored.
What's next for England?
Training resumes Sunday as England weigh their options. A victory in Adelaide is non-negotiable, but the path forward is fraught with tough calls. Will they back Tongue's aggression, reshuffle the batting order, or trust Jacks' all-round abilities? One thing is clear: the Bazball era's defining moment has arrived.
