England faces a make-or-break third Ashes Test in Adelaide starting Wednesday, needing victory to keep their series hopes alive after falling 2-0 down to Australia. The team departed their controversial four-night break in Noosa on Saturday and will resume training on Sunday, with critical selection decisions looming.
The tourists extended their winless streak in Australia to 17 Tests after dominant eight-wicket defeats in Perth and Brisbane. Historical precedent offers little comfort: only Don Bradman's Australia in 1936-37 has recovered from a 2-0 Ashes deficit.
Break draws Australian media fire
England's pre-planned Noosa break attracted fierce criticism from Australian newspapers. The Brisbane Courier Mail labeled the team «not even trying anymore», while Adelaide's Advertiser called them «rub a dub duds». Sydney's Daily Telegraph ran the headline «Surfed and Turfed».
Captain Ben Stokes was photographed with radio presenters holding signs reading «For sale - moral victories» and «Bazballers anonymous - free counselling». The team's high profile in bars, on golf courses and beaches dominated Australian media coverage.
Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie defended the break itself, telling ABC radio: «I don't have a problem with it. I think it's absolutely fair and reasonable.» But he criticized England's «contradictory messaging» around preparation.
Gillespie questioned head coach Brendon McCullum's claim that England were «overprepared» for the Brisbane defeat, particularly after choosing not to practice under lights in Canberra. «The messaging out of the England camp could have been better,» Gillespie told ABC radio. «Saying 'we've overprepared' for a Test - everyone would argue no.»
Spin selection dilemma
England faces a critical decision over off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. The 22-year-old struggled badly in warm-up matches, taking nought for 115 from 25 overs for England Lions against Australia A. His pre-series performance at Lilac Hill was equally concerning: 24 overs for 151 runs.
The alternative is batting all-rounder Will Jacks, who scored 19 and 41 in Brisbane and took one wicket from 11.3 overs. Stokes previously ranked Bashir as the superior bowler, but Adelaide's anticipated heat suggests a significant role for spin.
Australia will likely bring back veteran Nathan Lyon, who has 562 wickets from 140 Tests. The contrast with England's spin uncertainty is stark.
Further changes expected
Ollie Pope's position at number three is under scrutiny. He has failed to pass 50 in 14 innings against Australia, with 46 his highest score in the current series. Jacob Bethell, who scored 71 for the Lions recently, could replace him.
England may also alter their pace attack, with Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts potential additions. Five fielding chances were dropped in Brisbane, highlighting another area needing urgent attention.
Australia makes changes despite lead
Australia will recall captain Pat Cummins, who hasn't played for five months due to back injury, and Lyon. This means changing a winning team, with either Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland or Michael Neser likely to miss out.
Opener Usman Khawaja could also return after missing Brisbane with a back problem. His replacement Josh Inglis may make way.
Stakes couldn't be higher
Adelaide traditionally features Australia's flattest pitch, though recent years have seen fewer batting-friendly conditions. England's only previous red-ball Test there resulted in a 275-run defeat four years ago.
Greg Chappell, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, called for an «ego-free debrief» from England's Noosa discussions. Stokes has described his dressing room as «no place for weak men» ahead of the defining Test.
Former Australia captain Tim Paine believes Adelaide offers England their best chance. «If there's any wicket and ground in the country that suits them more than this, I don't think there is one,» he said.
But he warned: «It's like Australia are just playing the percentages really well and England are making the same mistakes.»
England's last series win in Australia came in 2010-11. The third Test starts at 23:30 GMT on Tuesday.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
