What is England's Ashes record at the Adelaide Oval? When did they last win in Adelaide? History of matches ahead of third Test v Australia

All eyes are on the Adelaide Oval for the third Ashes Test - and all of England's hopes rest on the result there. The tourists are 2-0 down in the 2025/26 Ashes series, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, after a pair of demoralising eight-wicket defeats - meaning Ben Stokes' side must mastermind a victory in the third Test to keep the fight alive. Is history on England's side?

England are staring down the barrel of an embarrassingly early series defeat in the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes.

Back-to-back eight-wicket defeats across a total of six days of cricket have put England in a perilous position, with the 'Bazball' era under intense scrutiny.

In the third Test in Adelaide - live from December 16 on TNT Sports and discovery+ - Ben Stokes' side know they must deliver a big response.

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The tourists have not won a single Test in Australia in the last 15 years, and have not held the urn in eight. Brendon McCullum went with a high-risk, high-reward approach to end the drought, but it is yet to pay off.

Already up against it, England's batters are now set to face the returning Australia captain Pat Cummins in Adelaide. The hosts could also choose to bring veteran spinner Nathan Lyon back in, showcasing the wealth of talent available.

In their must-win match, what historical inspiration do England have to lean on? We have a look at past tours to see if there is reason for optimism.

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When did England last win at the Adelaide Oval?

Each of England's last three trips to Adelaide have seen Australia bat first and the tourists come up short in the chase, losing by 275, 120 and 218 runs.

England's last victory in Adelaide was on the 2010/11 tour - also the last time they enjoyed a series triumph Down Under.

On that occasion, Australia won the toss and opted to bat, making 245 as Jimmy Anderson took four wickets.

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Their start could not have been much worse, with Simon Katich out for a diamond duck when he was run out without facing a ball. The next ball, Anderson had captain Ricky Ponting out for a golden duck thanks to a catch from Graeme Swann, leaving Australia 0-2.

Buoyed by that sensational start, England were just as good with the bat - in particular Kevin Pietersen, who struck a double-century.

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England built a mammoth lead and declared on 620 on the third day, leaving Australia needing 375 runs simply to make the tourists bat again.

Swann this time devastated with the ball, taking five wickets as Australia fell for 304, giving England a 1-0 lead after the first Test in Brisbane was drawn.

Will spin play a factor again? If so will England stick with Will Jacks or turn to Shoaib Bashir?

Spinner Nathan Lyon looks set to return for Australia after missing out in Brisbane.

When did England last draw at the Adelaide Oval?

Adelaide is the driest of Australia's state capitals, which perhaps lends itself to producing results in Test matches rather than having days of play rained off.

The last drawn match at the Adelaide Oval in the Ashes came in 1991, with England needing a win to save the series. The tourists were 2-0 down with two to play.

Australia were in trouble, but were saved partially by a century from Test debutant Mark Waugh, who came in for brother Steve and made 138 off 188 to swing the game.

Like in 1991, a draw would spell the end for England in 2025.

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What happened last time in Adelaide?

England were beaten by 275 runs the last time they played in Adelaide, in the 2021/22 Ashes series.

Australia declared on 473/9 after choosing to bat first and then dismissed England for 236.

Another declaration by the home side on day four saw England set a target of 468 in four sessions. England resisted to take it deep on day five, but they couldn't hold out for a draw as Australia sealed victory with 20.5 overs left.

What was the most infamous Adelaide Test?

The infamous 'Bodyline' series of 1932/33 featured the most controversial Ashes showdown in Adelaide.

After witnessing the legendary Don Bradman produce a remarkable 974 runs across the Ashes tour of England in 1930, English cricket needed a plan to combat his prowess.

Their answer was 'Bodyline' - a then-legal but now-outlawed tactic that saw shorter balls aimed at the batter's body, in theory leading to a combination of intimidation and more catching opportunities from defensive shots on the leg side.

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In arguably the most vicious Test match ever played, police were reportedly deployed on the boundary to keep back the baying 50,000-strong Australian crowd.

They were furious and concerned for the safety of skipper Bill Woodfull, who had been struck around the heart area by a 'Bodyline' delivery, resulting in him staggering in pain for several minutes.

England won the Test and went on to claim the series 4-1, but it became widely known as one of cricket's darkest chapters, and the tactic was outlawed within three years.

What is England's overall record at the Adelaide Oval?

England have played 33 Ashes Test matches in Adelaide, winning nine.

The hosts have triumphed 19 times there, while five times the contest has ended in a draw.

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