### England Faces Crucial Third Ashes Test with Team Changes England's cricket team is under pressure as they prepare for the third Ashes Test against Australia, scheduled to begin on December 17, 2025, at the Adelaide Oval. After suffering defeats in the first two Tests, the team has made a strategic change by recalling seamer Josh Tongue to replace Gus Atkinson. This decision comes despite the pitch conditions in Adelaide being favorable for spin bowlers, leading to the omission of specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir. The selectors have opted for allrounder Will Jacks as the spin option, indicating a clear strategy to bolster the pace attack in a must-win scenario for England, who currently trail the series 2-0 [https://apnews.com/article/england-ashes-cricket-138eeaa8721cf8250b9607551ebaee59][https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/england-recall-josh-tongue-ashes-053000107.html]. ### Breakdown of England's Team Changes and Context 1. **Team Selection**: - Josh Tongue replaces Gus Atkinson in the bowling lineup. - Will Jacks remains as the spin option, sidelining Shoaib Bashir. 2. **Performance Context**: - England lost the first two Tests by eight wickets each, putting them in a precarious position in the series. - Tongue's inclusion is seen as a direct response to Atkinson's underwhelming performance, where he failed to take a wicket in the first Test and had poor bowling figures in the second [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/josh-tongue-gus-atkinson-england-australia-b2884459.html][https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12040/13483531/the-ashes-2025-26-england-pick-josh-tongue-in-place-of-gus-atkinson-in-only-change-for-must-win-third-test-in-adelaide]. 3. **Player Insights**: - Vice-captain Harry Brook acknowledged the team's need for improvement, admitting to playing "shocking shots" in previous matches, highlighting the urgency for a turnaround in performance [https://www.nine.com.au/sport/cricket/the-ashes-2025-news-england-team-third-test-adelaide-gus-atkinson-josh-tongue-harry-brook-noosa-20251215-p5nnw6.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Recent Match Outcomes**: - England's losses in the first two Tests: - Perth: Lost by 8 wickets. - Brisbane: Lost by 8 wickets. - **Player Statistics**: - Gus Atkinson's performance: - First Test: 0 wickets. - Second Test: 3 wickets for 151 runs. - Batting: 37 runs in the second innings of the second Test [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/england-bring-in-tongue-atkinson-third-ashes-test-5582701][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3730990-cricket-england-bring-in-tongue-for-atkinson-for-third-ashes-test]. ### Conclusion: England's Strategic Shift for Survival in the Ashes In summary, England's decision to recall Josh Tongue while omitting Shoaib Bashir reflects a tactical shift aimed at revitalizing their bowling attack in a critical juncture of the Ashes series. The team is under significant pressure to perform, as they face a do-or-die situation in the upcoming Test. 1. **Key Changes**: Tongue in, Atkinson out; Bashir remains sidelined. 2. **Performance Pressure**: England must win to keep the series alive. 3. **Player Accountability**: Acknowledgment of poor performances by key players. This strategic move underscores the urgency for England to adapt and respond effectively to the challenges posed by Australia in the Ashes series [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/news/tongue-replaces-atkinson-only-england-change-third-ashes-test-4058916][https://www.republicworld.com/cricket/england-unveil-playing-xi-for-third-ashes-test-josh-tongue-replaces-gus-atkinson-in-adelaide].