Second Ashes Test 2021: England vs Australia teams news, start time, and conditions at Adelaide Oval

The second test of the 2021 Ashes series is set to get underway in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with England eager to avoid another loss at the hands of their Australian hosts.

Pat Cummins’ side put in a largely dominant display at The Gabba to hand their visitors a nine-wicket defeat in the first test, but attentions now turn to Adelaide for a pink-ball encounter that will encompass both day and night sessions.

We’ve gathered all the information you need to know about the intriguing clash below...

When is the second Ashes test?

The second Ashes test is set to get underway at 4am GMT on Wednesday December 16th.

The meeting will take place at Adelaide Oval.

Is the second Ashes test on TV?

As with the first test, all of the action will be shown live and exclusively on BT Sport or through the BT Sport app.

Highlights will be available to viewers on BT Sport 1 at 12pm and on the BBC iPlayer from 5pm.

What’s the current situation heading into the second test?

England trail 1-0 in the series after that humbling defeat in The Gabba, and face the unenviable task of trying to level things up against an Australia side who boast a flawless pink ball record.

The Aussies have won eight out of eight day/night tests, including five in Adelaide. By contrast, England have won just one out of four, and were demolished by 10 wickets in their most recent day/night outing against India earlier this year.

Historically, Root’s side are facing a real uphill struggle too. England have not won an Ashes series in Australia after losing the first test since 1955.

What’s the team news heading into the second test?

One of the most noteworthy decisions in the first test was Root’s call to omit Stuart Broad from his squad.

This time around, however, England welcome back both Broad and James Anderson into the attack, with Mark Wood making way.

From an Australian perspective, the major talking point sees Jhye Richardson replace the injured Josh Hazlewood, who is suffering with a side strain.

What can England expect at Adelaide Oval?

In terms of what Adelaide Oval can offer England as a playing surface, Australia captain Cummins has suggested that “you could set your clock to this wicket every year”.

The surface has become a drop-in with plenty of grass coverage offering pace, bounce, sideways movement, and a decent amount of spin.

Weather-wise, conditions have been warm weather in the buildup to the test, and the first couple of days are expected to see temperatures in excess of 30 degrees, with a cooler weekend in store.

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