The day started with England batting, fending off their final two wickets, with Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer at the crease still trailing by 158 runs.
However, Archer’s knock of 51 off 105 showed more resilience alongside his skipper as the pair put up 106 runs for the ninth wicket, their highest in this Ashes series, offering England a glimmer of hope.
Ben Stokes, pushing himself to the absolute limit in the searing Adelaide heat finally saw his resistance broken off a jaffa from Mitchell Starc, the 12th time the left-arm pacer has had the England skipper’s scalp in Ashes Tests.
Jofra Archer soon followed his skipper as he was caught in the slip cordon off Scott Boland as England were bowled out for 286, still trailing the hosts by 85 runs.
The visitors started off well with the ball, with Brydon Carse trapping Jake Weatherald (1) in front of his stumps, while Josh Tongue picked off Marnus Labuschagne (13).
However, Usman Khawaja, coming in for Steve Smith put in an impressive showing as he steadied the ship along with Head. The 39-year-old put up an 86 run partnership with Head as England’s troubles worsened with Ben Stokes off the field.
“Not surprised, played really well again today, a calm head, with a lot of experience”, said Head on Khawaja’s resilient knock.
Khawaja (40) was picked off by a half-tracker off Will Jacks as Cameron Green (7) soon followed, nicking one off Tongue as Harry Brook held on, leaving Australia at 149-4.
