15 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : England have officially confirmed their playing XI for the third Ashes Test, underlining their intent to continue with their bold and aggressive “Bazball” philosophy as the iconic series reaches a crucial stage. With the Ashes hanging in the balance, the team management has opted for continuity while making calculated selections aimed at countering Australian conditions and momentum.
The announcement comes ahead of the highly anticipated third Test, where England will be desperate to either consolidate their position or bounce back after mixed results in the opening matches. Captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum have shown faith in their core group, signalling belief in the existing combination rather than resorting to drastic changes.
Confirmed England Playing XI
England’s playing XI for the third Test reflects a balance of experience, attacking batting depth, and pace-heavy bowling options designed to exploit conditions:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Jonny Bairstow (Wicketkeeper)
- Chris Woakes
- Mark Wood
- Stuart Broad
- James Anderson
The side retains a familiar top six, ensuring stability while maintaining explosive run-scoring capability throughout the batting order.
Key Selection Highlights
Top Order Stability
England have continued backing the opening pair of Crawley and Duckett, who have shown flashes of brilliance. The team management believes sustained support will yield consistent returns.
Middle-Order Firepower
Joe Root and Harry Brook remain central to England’s batting strategy. Root’s experience and Brook’s fearless strokeplay are expected to play decisive roles in setting or chasing targets.
All-Round Balance
Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes provide vital balance, offering both batting depth and reliable seam bowling. Woakes’ inclusion adds control with the new ball and consistency in the lower order.
Pace-Focused Bowling Attack
England have gone with an all-pace attack, featuring Anderson, Broad, and Wood. The trio brings a blend of swing, seam, and raw pace, aimed at unsettling Australia’s batting lineup.
Bazball Philosophy in Action
England’s selection confirms their commitment to an aggressive, result-oriented brand of cricket. Under McCullum and Stokes, England have redefined Test cricket by prioritising intent over caution, often challenging traditional defensive methods.
By sticking with a similar XI, England are sending a clear message—they trust their attacking approach and believe execution, not personnel change, will be the difference in the third Test.
🇦🇺 Challenges Against Australia
Australia enter the match with confidence, having capitalised on key moments in earlier Tests. England’s bowlers will need early breakthroughs to prevent Australia from building big partnerships, while the batters must convert starts into substantial scores.
The inclusion of express pace through Mark Wood suggests England are keen to test Australia’s middle order with short-pitched bowling, especially on lively surfaces.
Players Under Spotlight
- Zak Crawley: Needs a strong performance to silence critics questioning his consistency.
- Ben Stokes: Leadership and all-round impact will be vital in a pressure match.
- Mark Wood: His pace could be a game-changer if used effectively in short spells.
- Jonny Bairstow: With gloves and bat, Bairstow’s performance could swing momentum.
Conditions and Strategy
Pitch conditions are expected to assist fast bowlers early before flattening out. England may look to bat aggressively if they win the toss, aiming to seize early control rather than play conservatively.
Field placements, bowling rotations, and declaration timing will be closely watched as England continue to push the boundaries of Test cricket strategy.
Reactions and Expectations
Former cricketers and fans have largely welcomed the decision to stick with a settled XI, praising England’s clarity of thought. While some experts have called for spin options, the team management appears confident in seamers handling the workload.
The third Ashes Test is shaping up to be a high-intensity contest, with England’s confirmed XI reflecting confidence, aggression, and belief in their playing style.
Conclusion
By announcing an unchanged and pace-heavy playing XI, England have reaffirmed their commitment to fearless cricket in the third Ashes Test. With momentum, pride, and the historic rivalry at stake, the stage is set for a gripping encounter that could define the course of the series.
Summary
England have confirmed a pace-heavy playing XI for the third Ashes Test, backing their aggressive Bazball approach and sticking with a settled combination as the series reaches a decisive phase.