what time does the cricket start

The Ashes Under the Southern Sun: Your Complete Guide to the Adelaide Test

The age-old rivalry between Australia and England has reached a fever pitch, with the third Test of the Ashes series unfolding under the intense glare of the Adelaide night sky. For cricket fans across the country, the question isn't just about who will win, but what time does the cricket start so they don't miss a single ball of the action. As the series teeters on a knife-edge, the stakes at the Adelaide Oval have never been higher.

This isn't just another Test match; it is a pivotal moment in a historic contest. The narrative has been dominated by the sweltering conditions, the brilliance of key players, and the tactical chess match between two of the world's best cricketing nations.

The Heat is On: A Pivotal Clash in Adelaide

The third Test began on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the Adelaide Oval, and from the very first ball, it was clear this would be a contest defined by endurance as much as skill. The timing of this match, specifically the day-night format, was a central point of discussion even before play commenced. Extreme heat forecast for Adelaide added a significant layer of complexity for the players, turning the pink ball into a "beast" and making player welfare a major talking point.

The significance of this match cannot be overstated. With the series currently sitting at 1-1, the winner of this Adelaide encounter will take a crucial lead heading into the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. It is a series-defining moment, where the tactical use of the pink ball under lights could provide the ultimate advantage.

A Day of Dominance and Drama: The Story So Far

The opening day, as covered by the official broadcasters, did not disappoint. It was a day of high drama and exceptional individual performances that swung the momentum back and forth. Opting to bowl first under lights, Australia looked to make early inroads into the English top order, but the visitors had other plans.

England's wicketkeeper-batter, Joshua Little, played a defiant innings, frustrating the Australian attack and anchoring the English innings. His resilience was a key theme of the first day's play. However, the day belonged to Australia's gloveman, Alex Carey. In a stunning display of skill and precision, Carey executed a brilliant stumping to remove the dangerous Little, a moment that shifted the momentum firmly back in Australia's favour.

At the close of play, Australia found themselves in a commanding position. The official scores reported by cricket.com.au show that Australia finished day one at 2/238, a position of significant strength. The partnership between Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne was the cornerstone of this total. Khawaja, in particular, looked set for a big score, ending the day unbeaten on 98, just shy of a well-deserved century. His calm and composed batting under pressure provided the stability Australia needed.

Why the Start Time Matters: The Day-Night Tactical Edge

For fans wondering what time the cricket starts, the answer in Adelaide is a crucial piece of tactical information. The day-night format, a relatively recent innovation in Test cricket, has fundamentally changed how the game is played. The third Ashes Test is a perfect example of this.

The match is played with a pink ball, which behaves differently to the traditional red ball, especially under floodlights. The period at the end of the day's play, known as the "twilight" session, is often the most difficult time for batters as the ball swings and seams dramatically. Captains often fight for the toss with the specific intention of bowling during this critical period.

As noted in reports from the BBC, the extreme heat in Adelaide also plays a role. While the day-night format is designed to avoid the hottest part of the day, the conditions still test the players' fitness. The choice of start time is a balance between avoiding extreme heat for the players and maximising the spectacle for the crowd, with play typically commencing at 2:00 PM local time and continuing under lights until around 9:00 PM.

Contextual Background: The Modern Ashes in Australia

The Ashes is the most respected and fiercely contested rivalry in world cricket. For Australian fans, retaining the urn on home soil is the ultimate goal. The series is traditionally played over five Tests, with venues including Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. Each venue has its own unique character and challenges.

Adelaide has historically been known for producing flat pitches that favour batting. However, the introduction of day-night Tests at the venue has transformed its identity. The pink ball under lights offers significant assistance to bowlers, often resulting in more dramatic and decisive results. The 2025/26 series is taking place in a post-Pat Cummins era, with a new generation of leaders stepping up for Australia. The team's depth and ability to adapt to conditions remain their greatest strengths. England, meanwhile, continues its quest to win a Test series in Australia, a feat that has proven incredibly difficult for any visiting team in recent decades.

Immediate Effects: Impact on the Series and Players

The events of the first day in Adelaide have immediate and significant consequences for the remainder of the series.

For the Series: Australia's strong position puts them in the driver's seat to take a 2-1 series lead. A lead heading into the MCG would be a psychological blow to England. Conversely, if England can fight back and win this Test, they will reclaim the urn, putting them in a commanding position to win the series outright.

For the Players: The performances of players like Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja have solidified their places in the team and boosted their confidence. The pressure is now on England's bowlers, particularly the pace attack, to break through the Australian top order early on day two. The physical toll of playing in extreme heat cannot be underestimated; player fatigue could become a decisive factor as the Test progresses, potentially influencing selection for the next match.

The Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead?

Looking ahead to day two and beyond, the path to victory for both teams is clear, though challenging.

Australia's Strategy: The primary objective will be for Khawaja to complete his century and for the middle order to build a massive first-innings total. A lead of 350 or more would likely be match-winning on this surface. Their bowlers will need to remain patient and exploit the second new ball.

England's Path: England's hopes rest on taking early wickets on day two to restrict Australia's lead. They must then bat significantly better in their second innings than they did in their first to have any chance of setting a target or securing a draw. The weather forecast and pitch deterioration will be key factors they need to monitor.

The broader implication is that the Ashes series is set up perfectly for a thrilling conclusion. The strategic decisions made by both captains regarding bowling changes, declaration timings, and the use of their pace bowlers will be scrutinised intensely.

For fans, the question of what time the cricket starts will remain top of mind for the next few days, as this enthralling battle between bat and ball continues under the Adelaide lights. This match is a testament to why Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport, with every session offering a new twist in this great Australian sporting narrative.