Underfiring and “overprepared” England head into the third Ashes Test in Adelaide with a mountain to climb. Soundly beaten in the opening two Tests, they now must get a result to keep the series alive.
While criticism has largely been directed at a flaky batting line-up, with the likes of Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith firmly in the firing line, the only change McCullum and Stokes have made is to the bowling attack, with Josh Tongue coming in for Gus Atkinson.
They have, once again, overlooked off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who hasn’t played since breaking his finger in the third Test against India in July. It’s another baffling decision, given he’s been fast-tracked into the side seemingly for this very tour of Australia.
For the Aussies, Nathan Lyon looks set to return to the team after being left out at the last minute in the second Test. And Aussie captain Pat Cummins also returns to the fold, boosting an already buoyant bowling quartet who have had no problems in skittling England in each of the opening two Tests.
Ashes Third Test Best Bets and Tips
Our second Test bet builder landed at a cool 10/1, and we’ve gone big again, this time paying a whopping 40/1. After comparing the odds of the best cricket betting sites, bet365 are by far the best price ahead of Tuesday’s crucial third Test.
| Market | Bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| To Win the Match | Australia | 1/2 |
| Top Match Bowler | Mitchell Starc | 10/3 |
| Top Match Batter | Travis Head | 11/2 |
| Total Odds | 40/1 |
*Odds correct at 10:00 GMT on 15/12/2025. Odds subject to change.
Bet 1: Australia to Win – 1/2
We’re desperately trying to find a way that England can win this Test or even get a draw, but they’ve shown very little from the two openers to suggest that they’re capable.
Like most Aussie grounds, Adelaide hasn’t been all that kind to the tourists either. They last won here in 2010 and have since been soundly beaten in each of the last three by margins of 275, 120 and 218 runs.
A change of approach is needed. Bazball has been the driving force behind some ugly dismissals, and all too often, players get in and then don't kick on. In Test cricket, a lot is made about having the ability to take 20 wickets, but if you can’t get runs on the board, you’re going to struggle regardless.
Even at Ashes betting odds of 1/2, it’s so hard to look past anything other than an Aussie win. There are too many questions about the patchy form of the England side to think otherwise.
The fact that Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon return to the side only bolsters an already red-hot bowling attack. Unfortunately, it has all the hallmarks of 3-0, with some tough meetings between upper management to follow.
Bet 2: Mitchell Starc to be Top Bowler – 10/3
Backing Mitchell Starc to be the top bowler in both the first and second Tests has been like finding money in the street. For some reason, he’s a massive 10/3 to make it three from three, and we’re more than happy to oblige once more.
In his 10 Tests at the Adelaide Oval, he’s taken 55 wickets at an average of 17.14. It’s the third most by any bowler and the most by a pacer. His strike rate of 35.16 is the highest at the ground, and he was superb against India this time last year, taking 6/48, albeit with the pink ball.
He’s already taken 18 wickets in two Tests so far in the series, and although Cummins is making a return, we expect the Aussie captain to have his volume managed throughout, with Starc being the main man here.
Nathan Lyon was a consideration for this market at 6/1, given he’s taken the most wickets of any bowler (63) at the ground. But the reason we’re opting for Starc is a lack of trust in the England batting line-up.
It could be a repeat of the opening Test, where the quicks did all the damage early, meaning not a lot of time for Lyon to get into the game. As a result, the safe play is Starc for top bowler.
Bet 3: Travis Head to be Top Batter – 11/2
For the top match batter, we’re going with Travis Head. He loves Adelaide, averaging 79.25 across nine innings. It’s the third-highest average at the ground for players who have scored >500 runs, bettered only by legends Don Bradman (107.77) and Michael Clarke (94.26).
He’ll be the hometown hero when the game gets underway on Tuesday night (GMT), and he's already got off to a flyer in this series, highlighted by a brilliant 123 in the second innings of the opening Test in Perth.
In last year’s Test against India at the ground, he was in superb form, scoring 140 from 141 balls, and blew the game wide open in his classic counter-attacking style.
The move to opener is one that he’s relished, averaging 49.9 in 11 innings. He’s showing the England boys how to execute Bazball in the Aussie conditions, and 11/2 for him to carry on that aggressive form looks another huge price in the market.
No Expiry Date
