Travis Head and Steven Smith steered Australia into a commanding position in the fifth Ashes Test, reaching 518/7 at stumps on Day 3, establishing a 134-run lead over England at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
In response to England’s first-innings score of 384, Head once again showcased his batting prowess, scoring 163 runs and marking his 12th Test century at an impressive rate of almost a run a ball. Resuming on 91, he partnered with Michael Neser, who had survived the closing session of Day 2 in support of Smith.
Neser faced a reviewed appeal for caught behind before Head brought up his hundred shortly after, pushing to the off-side for four. England’s breakthrough came 90 minutes into play when Brydon Carse had Neser caught out for 24.
Smith joined Head, who reached 162 when lunch was called. England had two chances in the final two overs of the session, but both difficult opportunities went begging, allowing Australia to add 115 runs while losing just one wicket in the session.
Post-lunch, Head added just one run before being dismissed by England’s spin-bowling all-rounder Jacob Bethell in the third over after the break. The opener departed to a standing ovation, having scored 600 runs in the series, as Australia continued to build their lead.
Usman Khawaja then joined Smith, making 17 runs in his final Test match and stitching a 51-run partnership with the stand-in captain before falling to Brydon Carse. Alex Carey came in aggressively but fell for the third time in this series to a leg-stump trap.
Cameron Green started well and looked solid but lost his wicket at 37 while attempting an aerial pull shot. Beau Webster played confidently, forming an 81-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Smith, who scored his 37th Test century and his first of this series. By stumps, Smith remained unbeaten on 129, while Webster was batting at 48, solidifying Australia’s 134-run lead.
Brief Scores:
England 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84; Michael Neser 4-60, Scott Boland 2-85) trail Australia 518/7 (Travis Head 163, Steven Smith 129*; Brydon Carse 3-108, Ben Stokes 2-87) by 134 runs.