The Ashes 2025 LIVE: Australia vs England, third Test, Adelaide

Post

Thanks Sam.

Rather nicely balanced out in South Australia.

There's kids swarming around the outfield at Adelaide, wafting bats and racing between plastic wickets haphazardly.

No doubt one of them will be causing me extreme distress by bowling England out for not very much in 2045.

Post

An intriguing first session in Adelaide but the drama started before a ball was even bowled with the news that Steve Smith would not play in this Test.

His replacement, Usman Khawaja has batted nicely, though, coming in after England removed both Australia openers in quick succession.

It remains fairly evenly poised as I head off to make my first pot of coffee of the night and leave you in the capable hands of Mike Peter.

Post

Glenn McGrath

Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

England needed early wickets. They really had to capitalise from there - that dropped catch you wonder how expensive that's going to be. Australia have bounced back. That first half hour after lunch is going to be massively important for England.

Lunch - Aus 94-2

Khawaja 41, Labuschagne 19

I'm not sure dropping someone who averages 55 in Tests is the answer to England's problems, Jack.

They will be getting a little concerned by this partnership, though, as Usman Khawaja sweeps powerfully in front of square for four.

Will Jacks does then find the edge with a slightly wider delivery but the ball drops just short of slip.

That's lunch. Australia going OK after losing both openers, not bad from England either after being asked to bowl first. Another couple of quick wickets after lunch and Ben Stokes' side would be right on top.

Post

Glenn McGrath

Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

Looking at Australia's batting since the second innings in Perth. They have been more positive.

It is a good crowd at Adelaide Oval. They have seen some good cricket in some pleasant conditions.

You cannot afford to drop short here. Usman Khawaja, since he has been dropped it is like a switch flicked in his mind and off he has gone.

Aus 87-2

Khawaja 36, Labuschagne 17

Steady on, Chris. Think it is much more a case of England have a quick look to see if there is anything there for the spinner yet on a ground that tends to turn a bit as the game progresses.

This has been a good partnership for Australia, though, and a single for Marnus Labuschagne brings up the fifty stand.

Usman Khawaja then pulls a short ball away for four. Anything short is going to get punished on this pitch.

Aus 82-2

All a bit too full from Will Jacks early in the over and Marnus Labuschagne is able to hit a low full toss to the left of mid-off.

Joe Root is able to flick that back before the rope to save a run but there is no stopping the Usman Khawaja sweep shot that comes a couple of balls later.

It runs away for four as Australia take 10 from the off-spinner's first over.

Aus 72-2

Perhaps another wicket or two before lunch, Ali?

Usman Khawaja is starting to looked pretty settled now and works the ball through mid-wicket for two off Ben Stokes.

The England captain is causing Marnus Labuschagne a few issues and the right-hander was glad to get off the mark with a single midway through the over.

Post

Glenn McGrath

Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

England needed to start with some early wickets, and they have done that, but they need to captilise on that.

No real interest from the England team to come together and talk about it.

I don't think England have bowled exceptionally well.

Too short, again. Sometimes you get a couple of early ones.

Aus 62-2

Huge appeal from England as Ben Stokes hoops the ball back in to rap Marnus Labuschagne on the front pad.

Not out, says the umpire, and that has to be because of an inside edge.

Yep, Snicko confirms it. Otherwise that was plumb. Thankfully, Stokes realised as well and didn't burn a review.

Five from the over with Usman Khawaja adding another boundary through square leg.

Aus 57-2

Khawaja 11, Labuschagne 12

Just a single from the last five ball of the over and it has been a good start from Josh Tongue.

He's getting the ball down at a good lick as well. A top speed of 90.2mph in that over.

Click here to read article