ADELAIDE
Australia all-rounder Cameron Green has warned against any hint of complacency as the hosts prepare for the third Test against England, mindful of how quickly momentum can shift in an Ashes series. Despite holding a commanding 2-0 lead, Green said lessons from the 2023 contest in England remain fresh.
Australia dominated the early part of that series, winning at Edgbaston and Lord’s, before England rallied to win two of the final three Tests, with the other ending in a draw. The series finished 2-2, allowing Australia, led by Pat Cummins, to retain the Ashes as holders.
“That’s a good reminder for our team to stay really level,” Green told reporters ahead of the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, which begins on Wednesday. “You can sometimes look a bit too far ahead, but it’s important we stay focused and finish it off properly.”
The odds are firmly stacked in Australia’s favour on home soil after convincing eight-wicket victories in Perth and Brisbane. England have not won a Test series in Australia since their 2010–11 tour, and Ben Stokes’s side has faced criticism for its preparation and intensity, coming under heavy media scrutiny during the tour.
Green expressed sympathy for the touring side following an incident involving a security guard and a cameraman at Brisbane airport. “You never like getting filmed when you’re trying to get away from it,” he said. “Anyone in that situation deserves a bit of understanding.”
Australia also received a boost with opener Usman Khawaja declaring himself fully fit after battling back spasms. The 38-year-old missed the second Test and was shuffled down the order in the first, but said he was ready if called upon. “I’m feeling 100 percent,” Khawaja said, though selectors are yet to confirm whether he will return to the top or slot into the middle order.
With history, form and conditions in their favour, Australia know a disciplined performance in Adelaide could see them retain the Ashes in emphatic fashion.
