England have opted to make just one change to their line-up for the crucial third Ashes Test, with Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson.

The tourists trail 2-0 in the series and must win in order to stay in with a chance of lifting the urn after back-to-back eight-wicket defeats.

Will Jacks, who was brought in for the second Test in Brisbane, retains his place as the designated spinner, with England overlooking Shoaib Bashir.

Atkinson has taken just three wickets at 78.66 across the first two Tests, with Tongue starting for the first time in Australia.

He was England's top wicket-taker against India earlier this year (eight) and has taken 31 wickets in his six Test matches so far.

Tongue also dismissed Steve Smith in both innings at Lord's in his only previous Ashes outing, taking five wickets overall.

Gus Atkinson
Josh Tongue

We've made one change to our starting XI for the third Test in Adelaide

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 15, 2025

Speaking on Sunday ahead of naming his team, head coach Brendon McCullum said of Tongue: "Everyone knows what he brings: high pace, hits the wicket hard from a fuller length, can swing and reverse swing the ball.

"If that's what we deem is going to be most successful, then he'll get a run."

The third Ashes Test begins on Wednesday in Adelaide. 

England XI for third Ashes Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.