Australia has retained the Ashes, taking an unassailable 3-0 series lead after a hard-fought final day in Adelaide. The victory, sealed by a sharp catch from Marnus Labuschagne, extends England’s winless streak in Australia to 18 Tests.
Despite a spirited lower-order resistance on the final day, England fell 83 runs short of a record chase, bowled out for 352. The tourists had shown flickers of a fightback, with Will Jacks and Jamie Smith posting determined half-centuries, but the target of 435 ultimately proved too steep.
The series outcome underscores a significant gap between the sides. While Australia has managed its resources effectively despite injuries to key players, England’s campaign has been marred by inconsistent performances. Critical errors in the field and with the bat in the earlier matches in Perth and Brisbane left the visitors with too much to recover from in Adelaide.
Mitchell Starc was again instrumental for the hosts, his left-arm seam bowling proving a persistent threat. His wicket of Jacks in the final innings was a decisive moment, highlighting his series-long dominance, which has now yielded 22 wickets.
The result raises immediate questions about England’s direction. Their batting approach in Adelaide, notably cautious on a placid pitch, appeared at odds with the aggressive philosophy that has defined the team in recent years. This tactical shift suggests a team potentially wrestling with its identity under the intense pressure of an Ashes tour.
With the urn secured, Australia can now approach the remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney with the pressure lifted. For England, the final two matches represent a critical opportunity to restore pride and demonstrate they can compete on Australian soil, with the future of the current leadership setup likely under intense scrutiny.