December 15, 2025 — ZenX News Desk
England have wrapped up their short break in Noosa and flown to Adelaide as preparations begin for the crucial third Ashes Test. The visitors arrived from Brisbane on Saturday and are set to resume training on Sunday, knowing defeat at the Adelaide Oval would end their hopes of winning back the Ashes.
The four-night stay on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast had been scheduled long before the series began and went ahead unchanged despite England losing the opening two Tests. During their time in Noosa, Ben Stokes’ side drew plenty of attention, with players spotted relaxing at the beach, playing golf and visiting local bars.
England’s downtime quickly became a talking point in Australian media, with several newspapers questioning the tourists’ focus and commitment. Headlines criticised the team’s approach, though former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie defended England’s decision, saying a short break was fair and reasonable amid a long, demanding tour.
Preparation Under Scrutiny
England’s tour preparation has remained a subject of debate since the start of the series. Touted as one of their best chances in years to challenge Australia on home soil, the campaign risks being decided inside three matches once again.
The loss in Brisbane extended England’s winless streak in Australia to 17 Tests, stretching back to their 2010-11 Ashes triumph. Failure to win in Adelaide would confirm a fourth straight Ashes defeat down under before the series midpoint.
Criticism has also followed England’s limited warm-up schedule. They played just one preparatory match before the first Test and opted not to send first-choice players to a pink-ball fixture against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. Instead, the team held extended training sessions in Brisbane before the second Test — a decision head coach Brendon McCullum later suggested left them “overprepared”.
Gillespie said mixed messaging from England’s camp had invited scrutiny, particularly after passing up the chance to practise under lights with a pink ball.
Selection Calls Loom
As England begin three days of training, attention will turn to potential changes for the third Test — Adelaide’s first red-ball Ashes match since 2013. A reshuffle of the pace attack is expected, with Josh Tongue among the contenders to come in.
Spin could also play a bigger role, raising questions over Shoaib Bashir’s inclusion after being left out of the first two Tests. England have also been weighing up options at number three, with Ollie Pope under pressure after another modest return with the bat.
Australia, despite leading 2-0, face decisions of their own. Captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon are expected to return, while opener Usman Khawaja remains a fitness concern ahead of the Adelaide Test.
With both sides likely to make changes, the third Test promises to be a pivotal moment in the series.
Based on reports from international media