Opener Travis Head’s unbeaten 142, alongside Alex Carey’s solid 52 not out, propelled Australia to a commanding position, leaving England on the verge of losing the Ashes series. At stumps on Day 3 of the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, Australia amassed a significant 356-run lead, concluding the day at 271/4.
Head, who was dropped by Harry Brook when he was on 99, notched up his second century of the series and the 11th of his Test career. This innings marked Head’s fourth hundred against England.
England had a promising start to the day, with skipper Ben Stokes leading the charge with 83 runs. He formed a crucial 106-run partnership with Jofra Archer, who contributed 51 runs. The visitors showed signs of a fightback in the morning session, adding 73 runs to their overnight score of 213/8 before being bowled out for 286, bringing the deficit down to 85 runs.
Brydon Carse added to the tension by trapping Jake Weatherald lbw for just 1 run, leaving Australia at 17/1 in 5.0 overs just before lunch in their second innings. Following the break, Josh Tongue dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for 13, providing England with further optimism.
However, Australia managed to maintain control throughout the next two sessions, losing only one wicket (Labuschagne) in the post-lunch period, reaching 119/2 at tea. Usman Khawaja resumed his steady approach from the first day of the Test, building an 86-run partnership with Head.
England briefly revived their hopes after tea, claiming two quick wickets. Will Jacks removed Khawaja for 40, and Tongue followed up by sending Cameron Green back for just 7 runs. Despite these breakthroughs, Australia’s lead was already nearing 300.
Alex Carey then stepped up, continuing his fine form from the first innings, reaching his fifty and forming an unbeaten 122-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Head.
Brief scores:
- Australia: 371 and 271/4 in 66 overs (Travis Head 142 not out, Alex Carey 52 not out; Josh Tongue 2-59)
- England: 286 (Ben Stokes 83, Jofra Archer 51; Scott Boland 3-45, Pat Cummins 3-69)
- Australia leads by 356 runs.