australian men’s cricket team

Ashes 2025: Australia Tightens Grip Amid Weather Warnings and Snicko Drama

The Australian men’s cricket team is riding high after a scorching start to the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, but stormy weather looms—both on and off the field. With the series poised at 1-1, the Aussies have taken a decisive advantage in a match already defined by dramatic bowling, controversial DRS calls, and a brewing storm that could reshape the Test’s outcome.

The Heat, the Hype, and the Headlines

Adelaide’s five-day Ashes Test began under a blazing sun, with temperatures soaring above 38°C during the first two days. Fans sweltered in the stands, mirroring the intensity on the pitch as Australia tightened the screws on England’s batting lineup. But as the mercury rose, so did the drama—particularly around the use of Snicko and the controversial dismissal of England’s key batter, Joe Root.

According to cricket.com.au, the third Test has already become a microcosm of the series: a battle between Australia’s disciplined pace attack and England’s increasingly fragile top order. Travis Head’s explosive 112 on Day 1 set the tone, while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc combined to rattle England’s batting, reducing them to 207 all out in their first innings.

But the real buzz? The Snicko controversy.

On Day 2, Joe Root was given out caught behind off the bowling of Josh Hazlewood. The on-field umpire ruled not out, but Australia reviewed. Snicko, the audio-based edge detection tool, showed a faint spike as the ball passed the bat. The third umpire overturned the decision—sparking furious debate among fans, pundits, and even former players.

“Snicko’s been in the spotlight all series,” wrote cricket.com.au in their live blog. “But this call felt borderline. Was it an edge, or just bat on pad? The technology says yes—but the naked eye says maybe.”

The decision shifted momentum firmly in Australia’s favour. By stumps on Day 2, the Aussies had extended their lead to over 150, with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne anchoring a solid second innings start.

Recent Updates: What We Know (and What’s Verified)

Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s what’s been confirmed by official sources as of Day 3:

Day 1: Head’s Fire and England’s Collapse

• Travis Head scored 112 off 133 balls, his third Ashes century.
• Australia posted 330/9 declared, with Labuschagne (65) and Smith (52) providing support.
• England’s reply was shaky from the start. Zak Crawley (13) and Ben Duckett (28) fell cheaply, with Starc and Cummins combining for 4 early wickets.

Day 2: Snicko, Stokes, and the Bazball Backlash

• Joe Root (38) was dismissed after a DRS review involving Snicko. The call sparked debate, with The Australian noting: “The Stokes stat that proves Bazball is officially dead.”
• England’s innings ended at 207, with Cummins (4/45) and Starc (3/52) leading the charge.
• Australia began their second innings and reached 120/3 by stumps, extending their lead to 243.

Day 3: Weather Watch and Tactical Adjustments

• The Advertiser reported that stormy weather is set to bowl over the Ashes crowd starting late on Day 3, with forecasts predicting heavy rain and possible thunderstorms over Adelaide.
• Cricket Australia has confirmed that play will not be extended beyond scheduled hours to make up for lost time, meaning the match could end in a draw if significant overs are lost.
• England’s bowlers, led by Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson, began to find reverse swing, dismissing Labuschagne (41) and Smith (29) early in the second innings.

“The weather could be the 12th man here,” said former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting on cricket.com.au. “If it rains, it’s advantage Australia. If it clears, England still have a chance to chase.”

Why This Test Matters: Context and Stakes

The Ashes isn’t just another Test series—it’s cricket’s oldest rivalry, dating back to 1882. For Australians, it’s more than sport: it’s cultural identity, national pride, and a chance to reclaim bragging rights from their fiercest rivals.

This series has been particularly tense. After England’s shock win in the first Test at Brisbane, Australia bounced back in Perth to level the series. Now, with the third Test at Adelaide Oval—a fortress for the Aussies—the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Adelaide Oval: A Home Ground with History

• Australia has won 10 of the last 12 Ashes Tests at Adelaide Oval.
• The ground is known for its day-night pink ball, which swings more under lights—giving Australia’s pace attack a significant edge.
• The pitch typically offers early pace and bounce, then slows down, making spin and reverse swing crucial later in the match.

But this year, the weather adds a wildcard. Adelaide is no stranger to heatwaves and sudden storms, but a five-day Test disrupted by rain could change everything.

The “Bazball” Backlash

England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach—named after coach Brendon McCullum—has been under scrutiny. Once hailed as revolutionary, it’s now being questioned after repeated collapses.

The Australian pointed out a telling stat: Ben Stokes’ average in the series is just 18.6, with no fifties. In contrast, Australia’s top order has shown patience and discipline.

“Bazball was fun when it worked,” said the article. “But when the pressure’s on, and the ball’s moving, you need more than aggression. You need technique. You need resilience.”

This Test may be the moment when Bazball’s limitations are laid bare—especially against a disciplined, experienced Australian attack.

Immediate Effects: What’s Happening Now?

On the Field

• Australia’s bowling depth is shining. Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood are all in form, while Cameron Green’s extra pace is giving England’s batters nightmares.
• England’s top order remains fragile. Only Harry Brook (72) has shown real resistance, but without support from Root or Stokes, the innings keep imploding.
• DRS and Snicko are under the microscope. While they’ve helped Australia, fans and players alike are questioning their consistency. The ICC may face pressure to review how Snicko is interpreted in close calls.

Off the Field

• Ticket sales and fan engagement have surged. Adelaide Oval is expected to host over 120,000 fans across the five days—despite the heat and weather warnings.
• Sponsorships and broadcasting are seeing record viewership. The Ashes is a prime-time event for Channel 7 and Fox Cricket, with advertisers capitalizing on the drama.
• Climate concerns are growing. With extreme heat and storms becoming more common during summer Tests, Cricket Australia is under pressure to review scheduling and player safety protocols.

“We can’t keep playing in 40-degree heat,” said a fan at the ground. “It’s not safe for players, and it’s not fair on families who want to bring kids.”

Future Outlook: What’s Next for the Ashes and Australian Cricket?

The Series: Can England Bounce Back?

With the series tied 1-1, the third Test is effectively a semi-final. If Australia wins, they’ll take a 2-1 lead into the fourth Test at the MCG—a ground where they’ve won 15 of the last 16 Ashes Tests.

But if England can force a draw or win, they’ll keep the series alive. Their best chance? Exploit the weather. If rain wipes out Day 4 or 5, they could survive and head to Melbourne with momentum.

“We’ve been here before,