The third Test of the 2026-27 Ashes series between Australia and England takes place from 17 to 21 December 2026. With the series approaching its midpoint, the third Test is often the match that defines the Ashes, potentially giving one side an unassailable lead or setting up a grandstand finish across the final two fixtures. The venue for the third Test is to be confirmed by Cricket Australia, though Melbourne’s Boxing Day Test traditionally occupies the fourth slot in the series schedule.
What Is the Ashes 3rd Test?
The Ashes is the most famous rivalry in international cricket, contested between Australia and England since 1882. Named after a satirical obituary published in The Sporting Times following England’s first home defeat by Australia, the tiny terracotta urn known as the Ashes has become one of sport’s most iconic trophies. Each series comprises five Test matches, and the third Test sits at the critical halfway point. A team leading 2-0 heading into the third Test can retain the Ashes with a victory, while a team trailing needs to win to keep the series alive. This dynamic makes the third Test one of the most compelling fixtures in any Ashes campaign.
When Is the Ashes 3rd Test 2026?
The match is scheduled from Thursday 17 December to Monday 21 December 2026, with five days allocated for play. The format, whether a traditional day Test or a day-night fixture with the pink ball, will be confirmed by Cricket Australia. Day Tests in Australia typically start at 10:00-10:30 AM local time, while day-night Tests begin at 2:00 PM local time. The December timing places the match in the lead-up to the Christmas period, one of the peak times for cricket attendance in Australia, and the festive atmosphere adds to the occasion.
Where Is the Ashes 3rd Test 2026?
The venue for the third Test is to be confirmed by Cricket Australia. Recent Ashes series have used a rotation of grounds including the Gabba (Brisbane), Adelaide Oval, the WACA Ground and Optus Stadium (Perth), the MCG (Melbourne) and the SCG (Sydney). The third Test has historically been played at a variety of venues depending on the overall schedule. Each Australian Test ground offers a distinct character: the Gabba’s pace and bounce, Adelaide’s batting-friendly surfaces, Perth’s extreme pace, Melbourne’s vast capacity and Sydney’s turn for spin bowlers. Cricket Australia typically confirms the full schedule approximately 12 months before the series.
Key Contenders
Australia’s squad depth makes them formidable at home. The pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, supported by off-spinner Nathan Lyon, form arguably the strongest bowling attack in world cricket. Travis Head has been the standout batter of recent Ashes series, with his aggressive approach ideally suited to Australian conditions. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith provide the batting backbone, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey has contributed crucial lower-order runs. England will rely on the experience of Joe Root, whose record of 12,000-plus Test runs makes him one of the greatest batters of his generation. Captain Ben Stokes’ ability to change a match with bat and ball makes him England’s most important player. Mark Wood’s express pace and Shoaib Bashir’s off-spin could be key weapons, depending on conditions.
How to Watch the Ashes 3rd Test
In Australia, Channel 7 and the free streaming service 7Plus provide free-to-air coverage of all Ashes Tests, with Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports offering additional pay-television and streaming options. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports holds exclusive broadcast rights, with streaming on discovery+ and via TNT Sports channels on Sky, BT and Virgin Media platforms. Star Sports and JioHotstar cover the series in India. Willow TV carries the coverage in the United States, Sky Sport NZ in New Zealand and SuperSport across sub-Saharan Africa. The time difference means UK fans can watch overnight, with play typically running from midnight to 8:00 AM GMT.
History of the Ashes
The Ashes has been contested since 1882, making it one of the oldest rivalries in sport. Australia have won 34 series to England’s 32, with five series drawn. The most recent Ashes in 2025-26 ended 4-1 in Australia’s favour, with the hosts retaining the urn after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead. England have not won an Ashes series in Australia since 2010-11, a drought that weighs heavily on the touring party. Famous third-Test moments in Ashes history include the 2005 Edgbaston classic, widely regarded as the greatest Test match ever played, and the 2013 Old Trafford match where rain denied England a series-clinching victory. The Ashes consistently draws the largest audiences in cricket, both in the stadiums and on television worldwide.
Tickets for the Ashes 3rd Test
Tickets will be available through Cricket Australia’s official website at cricket.com.au/tickets once the venue is confirmed. Ashes Test tickets are among the most sought-after in Australian sport, with prices typically ranging from AUD 30 for general admission to several hundred dollars for premium and corporate hospitality. Multi-day passes offer savings for fans attending the full match. In the 2025-26 series, all five venues saw strong demand, with Adelaide setting a new ground record of 56,298 on the opening day. Early booking is essential, particularly for weekend sessions and any day that could prove decisive in the series outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the venue be confirmed?
Cricket Australia typically confirms the full Ashes schedule, including venues, approximately 12 months before the series begins. Check cricket.com.au for official announcements.
Can England retain the Ashes by drawing the series?
If England held the Ashes coming into the series (as the holders from a previous series win), a drawn series would see them retain the urn. However, if Australia are the current holders, England must win the series outright to reclaim the Ashes.
What is a Test match and how long does it last?
A Test match is the longest format of cricket, played over a maximum of five days with each team batting twice. Each day features approximately 90 overs (six hours of play). A match can end in a win for either side, a draw or, rarely, a tie.
Are children welcome at Ashes Test matches?
Yes. Cricket Australia offers discounted children’s tickets and family packages. The festive atmosphere and the natural breaks in play make Test cricket an excellent outing for families.