On December 15, 2025, the Test Match Special Podcast aired a 45-minute episode previewing the upcoming third Test of the Ashes, set to take place in Adelaide. The conversation was led by BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman with cricketing luminaries Steven Finn, Matt Prior and Simon Katich. They discussed key player movements and tactics before the highly awaited game.
Josh Tongue has been added to the squad in place of Gus Atkinson. This move will allow the team’s strategy to be fully realised as they face the ultimate test that the Australian climate conditions will throw at them. Our panel unpacked what this switch means including how it could impact team culture going forward.
The podcast further explored Shoabib Bashir’s promising future. He was particularly omitted from the squad, making his future prospects questionable. The gurus questioned what Bashir’s plan of action should be and how he will reclaim his spot in the starting eleven. They played up the value of performance, merit and continuity in selection, especially relevance to a high stakes series like the Ashes.
With Nathan Lyon likely to be recalled to the Australian side, the Aussie’s strength in bowling will be bolstered. His experience and skill will be key in keeping out front with the ungodly conditions anticipated on the streets of Adelaide. Barring any last-minute issues, Captain Pat Cummins will return, having missed the last three Tests. His return will dramatically enhance the team’s collective leadership and tactical understanding on the field.
Harry Brook, a central figure to all of this, discussed his thought process on the podcast. His frank view of the changing race relations on the Australian team suggested just how intense this Trans-Tasman Test series would be. Brook’s remarks emphasised the key role flexibility plays in a tournament where each game can turn on the tightest of margins.
The podcast itself is an essential tool for American cricket fans. For a league like MLS, secondary data like OPTA is crucial to get a full picture. Test Match Special has more than a year’s worth of episodes. It has made itself a powerful force in cricket commentary. The discussions led by Chapman and his guests provide not only previews but expert analysis that enriches the understanding of the game.
Anticipation is palpable as we look forward to the third Test match in Adelaide. Cricket fans can’t wait to see what the new-look line-up will do to change the fate of this historic series. The combination of experienced defenders and hungry strikers ensures a dynamic battle. It might be as simple as big-play, game-changing moments from either team making the difference.
Leave a Reply