Another devastating Travis Head hundred helped Australia into a dominant position in the third Test at Adelaide, leading by 356 with six second-innings wickets still remaining as they look to retain the Ashes with two games to spare.
Another chastening defeat followed in the day-night Test in Brisbane, and England were already up against it in Adelaide going into the third day’s play after their latest batting collapse saw them limp to 213-8 by stumps on the second evening in reply to Australia’s first-innings 371.
Ben Stokes (83) led from the front, as has so often been the case during his captaincy, putting on 106 for the ninth wicket with Jofra Archer (51) as England briefly threatened a stirring fightback on the third morning, pulling to within 85 of Australia.
Brydon Carse (1-48) then added to the excitement as he trapped Jake Weatherald (1) lbw in a tricky 20-minute period for Australia’s openers prior to lunch, while Josh Tongue (2-59) removed Marnus Labuschagne (13) cheaply after the interval.
But, on what is still a belting batting track, Head (142no) cashed in to score his 11th Test century, his fourth against England and fourth in succession in Adelaide Test, while he received useful support from Usman Khawaja (40) and Alex Carey (52no), who followed up his first-innings ton with another vital half century after Australia lost a couple of quick wickets early in the evening session.
Will Jacks (1-107) claimed Khawaja, with Tongue adding Cameron Green (7) in the very next over, well caught at slip by Harry Brook, who would later put down a tough chance at gully with Head on 99.
But arguably the damage had already been done at that point, Australia’s lead getting up towards 300 before Head and Carey extended that to 356 by the close of play, their unbroken partnership ticking up to 122.
Of particular concern to England will be the fitness of their talismanic skipper, with Stokes yet to bowl in Australia’s second innings after his exhaustive batting exploits that saw him toil in 40-degree heat for much of the second day.
More to follow…
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26
Australia lead five-match series 2-0
