Adelaide, December 21, 2025 — Australia sealed an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series after defeating England by 82 runs in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, retaining the iconic urn with two matches still to play.
The victory confirmed Australia’s supremacy on home soil, where they once again proved too disciplined and ruthless in key moments. While England showed resilience and flashes of brilliance, they were unable to match Australia’s consistency under pressure.
Carey, Head Power Australia’s Advantage
Australia’s dominance was built on crucial middle-order contributions, led by Alex Carey, who was named Player of the Match. The wicketkeeper-batter struck a superb century in the first innings and followed it up with a vital 72, rescuing Australia from a precarious position and swinging the match decisively. Carey was also outstanding behind the stumps, finishing with six catches and a sharp stumping.
He found strong support from Travis Head, whose commanding 170 set the tone earlier in the match, and Usman Khawaja, who stepped in at short notice to score a composed 82 after Steve Smith was ruled out with vertigo. Australia recovered from early trouble to post a formidable first-innings total, leaving England chasing the game.
England’s Fight Falls Short
Chasing a challenging 435-run target, England refused to surrender. Joe Root and Zak Crawley laid a foundation before Harry Brook launched a counterattack that briefly reignited hopes. Youngsters Will Jacks and Jamie Smith impressed with fearless stroke play, but a series of untimely dismissals and lapses in judgment halted England’s momentum just as the chase gathered pace.
Earlier, England showed character after collapsing to 71/4 and later 168/8 in their first innings, eventually posting 286. However, those repeated collapses proved costly in the context of the match.
Australia’s Bowlers Deliver Again
Australia’s bowling unit once again operated as a relentless pack. Pat Cummins, returning from injury, led from the front with a match haul that underlined his sharpness and control. Nathan Lyon was exceptional on an otherwise flat surface, moving past Glenn McGrath into sixth place on the all-time Test wicket-takers list. Mitchell Starc added impact with both bat and ball, contributing a brisk fifty and claiming key wickets.
Captains React as Focus Shifts to Boxing Day
Australian captain Pat Cummins praised his team’s patience and collective effort, highlighting the grind required to succeed in Australian conditions. England skipper Ben Stokes admitted the series dream was over but vowed his side would fight hard in the remaining Tests.
With Australia retaining the Ashes in just 11 days, attention now turns to the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting December 26. England may no longer be able to win the series, but pride, momentum, and redemption remain firmly on the line.