England vs Australia, 3rd Test

Match Preview

The Ashes rivalry heads to Adelaide for a spectacular Day Night Test, with Australia holding a commanding 2-0 lead. England are on the ropes and need a massive performance to stay in the series. The pink ball under lights adds another layer of excitement, making this a must watch contest for cricket fans and a thrilling challenge for fantasy players.

Adelaide Oval: Pitch and Conditions Report

The Adelaide Oval is known for producing balanced contests, but the stats tell a clear story for this match. In the last five Tests here, pacers have grabbed a whopping 107 wickets compared to just 38 for the spinners. With this being a Day Night fixture, expect the seamers to dominate, especially during the twilight session when the pink ball tends to swing and seam the most. The average score of 247 suggests that batsmen will have to work hard for their runs. Building your fantasy team around quality fast bowlers is the smart way to go.

Top Fantasy Picks

Here are some players you should consider for your fantasy squad:

• Mitchell Starc: He is in sensational form, having taken 18 wickets in the series already. Starc is a master of the pink ball and will be a massive threat to the English batting lineup. He can also score quick runs down the order, making him a prime candidate for the captaincy.
• Ben Stokes: The heart of the English team. Stokes has contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 77 runs and taking 8 wickets. His all round ability provides a high floor for fantasy points, making him a safe and reliable choice.
• Travis Head: The Aussie batsman is in the form of his life, leading the run scoring charts with 199 runs in the series. He plays an aggressive brand of cricket that can quickly take the game away from the opposition.
• Joe Root: England's most dependable batsman. Root has already scored 161 runs in the series, including a brilliant century. He will be the key to England posting a competitive total.

Smart Differentials for Your Contest

Looking for players who can give you an edge? Here are a few picks that could make a difference:

• Brydon Carse: He has been a revelation for England, leading their bowling attack with 9 wickets. While others might focus on the bigger names, Carse offers great value and has proven he can take wickets.
• Marnus Labuschagne: With 128 runs, Labuschagne has been consistent without hitting a massive score yet. He loves batting at Adelaide and could be due for a big innings.
• Pat Cummins: A world-class fast bowler and reliable lower-order contributor. His consistency with wickets and bonus batting points makes him a top fantasy asset in the Ashes.

Players Under the Scanner

Some players have found it tough going against quality pace in this series:

• Ben Duckett: The English left handed opener has only managed 64 runs across four innings. He has looked vulnerable against the new ball, particularly struggling with deliveries swinging away from him, leading to dismissals caught in the slip cordon.
• Ollie Pope: While he has scored 105 runs, Pope has not looked entirely comfortable. The Australian pacers have exploited his tendency to play away from his body, inducing edges. He needs to convert his starts to make a real impact.

Captain & Vice Captain Suggestions

• Captain: Mitchell Starc, Ben Stokes
• Vice Captain: Travis Head, Joe Root

Australia XI:

Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

England XI:

⁠Zak Crawley,⁠ ⁠Ben Duckett,⁠ ⁠Ollie Pope, ⁠Joe Root, ⁠Harry Brook,⁠ ⁠Ben Stokes (c),⁠ ⁠Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper),⁠ ⁠Will Jacks, Brydon Carse,⁠ ⁠Jofra Archer,⁠ ⁠Josh Tongue