Australia has placed one hand firmly on the Ashes urn after a commanding batting performance on the third day of the third Test in Adelaide. The hosts, building on a significant first-innings lead, finished the day at 271 for 4, extending their overall advantage to a formidable 356 runs.
The day began with England’s lower order showing some fight. Ben Stokes added to his overnight score before falling for 83, while Jofra Archer celebrated a spirited maiden Test half-century, finishing with 51. Their efforts helped England reach 286 all out, but the tourists still conceded a first-innings deficit of 85 runs.
Any hopes of an English fightback were quickly subdued as Australia’s batters set about consolidating their position. Despite losing early wickets, including opener Henry Hunt for 1 and Marnus Labuschagne for 13, the home side found stability through a determined partnership.
The pivotal figure was local hero Travis Head, who crafted an unbeaten 142. His innings, while not as explosive as some of his previous efforts, was a masterclass in concentration and control on a pitch offering some assistance to the bowlers. He was ably supported by wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who followed his first-innings century with an unbeaten 52, underscoring his rich vein of form.
England’s bowling attack struggled for consistency. While Josh Tongue picked up two wickets, the decision-making and tactical approach in the field came under scrutiny. The tourists appeared to lack a clear plan to contain the partnership between Head and Carey, allowing the game to drift away from them during the afternoon session.
With two days remaining and a mammoth target already looming, England faces a monumental task to salvage the match. A series defeat now appears inevitable, raising serious questions about the team’s strategy and selections throughout this campaign. Australia, meanwhile, requires just six more wickets to secure a victory that would seal the series.