Adelaide, December 19, 2025 – Travis Head’s brilliant 142-run innings propelled Australia into a commanding position at the close of the third day of the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval. With six wickets still in hand, Australia are eyeing a total well in excess of 400, putting England under immense pressure to save the Test.
England had shown resilience in the morning session. From a precarious 213/8, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer added 106 runs, frustrating Australia with patient batting. Archer notched up his maiden Test fifty, while Stokes’ gritty 83 highlighted his determination. However, the second new ball eventually worked in Australia’s favor, with Mitchell Starc dismissing Stokes for the 12th time in Tests, followed by Scott Boland wrapping up the tail, leaving England 85 runs behind.
Australia’s reply began with an early breakthrough by Brydon Carse, aided by a missed review from Jake Weatherald. But once Travis Head and Alex Carey settled in, Australia regained control quickly. Head looked resolute at one end, converting chances into runs, while Carey contributed a composed fifty. Usman Khawaja also played a key supporting role, extending Australia’s lead beyond 200 by Tea without much fuss.
After Lunch, Marnus Labuschagne and Head steadied the innings further, though Labuschagne fell to Josh Tongue. Head, undeterred, reached his hundred aided by a crucial drop on 99 by Harry Brook, cementing Australia’s dominance. With Ben Stokes unable to bowl due to cramps and Jofra Archer out of rhythm, England struggled to contain the hosts.
By stumps, Australia’s lead had surged to 356, with Head’s century marking a spectacular display of skill and composure. The third day, dubbed the ‘Moving Day’, decisively tilted the Test in Australia’s favor, leaving England needing a monumental effort to turn the match around. Day 4 begins on December 20, with Australia firmly in the driving seat.