Aussie Captain Cummins Wins Toss, Bats First as Smith Sidelined in Crucial Ashes 3rd Test Thriller

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first in the third Ashes Test against England at Adelaide Oval on December 17, 2025, but suffered a major blow with star batsman Steve Smith ruled out due to illness.[3][4][5]

The hosts lead the series 2-0 after dominant eight-wicket victories in Perth and Brisbane, putting them in a strong position to retain the Ashes with three Tests remaining. England, captained by Ben Stokes, face a must-win scenario to stay alive in the contest, having been humbled in the opening matches.[1][2][3]

Smith, who led Australia to triumphs in the first two Tests while Cummins recovered, felt unwell for several days and was struck in the groin during nets practice. He did not take the field, with veteran Usman Khawaja stepping in at number four. Khawaja, who missed the Brisbane Test due to back spasms, replaces Smith in a reshuffled batting order featuring openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head.[3][4][5]

Australia's attack strengthens with Cummins' return and Nathan Lyon's inclusion, opting for spin on the expectedly batsman-friendly pitch amid scorching Adelaide weather. The playing XI reads: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.[1][3][5]

England, missing pacer Mark Wood for the series due to a knee injury, bring in Josh Tongue. Their lineup: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue. Joe Root leads England's batting with 161 runs, while Australia's Mitchell Starc tops the bowling charts with 18 wickets.[1][2]

Early play saw Australia reach 15/0 after 4 overs, with Weatherald scoring the first boundary. Cummins noted the pitch looks good for batting under sunny conditions, while Stokes admitted he too would have batted first and emphasized adapting to the surface.[1][5]

History favors Australia, with only Don Bradman's 1936-37 side overcoming a 2-0 deficit in an Ashes series. England seek a turnaround at a venue where conditions may favor spin later, testing both sides' resolve in this high-stakes encounter.[2]