Australia tightened their stranglehold on the Ashes as Travis Head’s commanding century left England staring at one of their fastest series defeats in more than a century. By the close of play on day three of the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, Australia had surged to 271 for four in their second innings, extending their overall lead to a daunting 356 runs.
Head, batting in front of his home crowd, delivered another Ashes masterclass, underlining Australia’s dominance and leaving England with an almost impossible task if they are to keep the series alive.
Match Situation: Australia in Complete Control
After dismissing England for 286, an 85-run deficit on first innings, Australia resumed their second innings under minimal pressure. Despite England briefly clawing their way back into contention with early wickets, the hosts never truly lost control.
At stumps:
- Australia: 371 & 271/4
- England: 286
- Australia lead by: 356 runs
With two full days remaining, England face the prospect of having to pull off the highest successful run chase ever recorded at the Adelaide Oval — a scenario that looks increasingly unlikely.
If Australia complete victory on Saturday, the Ashes will be decided in just 10 days of cricket, the fastest conclusion to the series since 1921.
Travis Head’s Adelaide Love Affair Continues
Travis Head once again proved to be England’s tormentor-in-chief. The left-hander reached his century in dramatic fashion, surviving a tense moment on 99 when Harry Brook spilled a difficult chance at gully.
Head endured eight nerve-racking deliveries before finally bringing up his hundred by launching Joe Root straight down the ground for four, igniting a deafening roar from the Adelaide crowd. It was his 11th Test century and his fourth consecutive hundred at the Adelaide Oval, further cementing his status as one of Australia’s most reliable big-game performers.
England attempted multiple strategies to slow Head’s scoring, including heavily stacking the off side with fielders, but nothing worked. Once the new-ball threat faded and Ben Stokes remained unable to bowl, Head cashed in ruthlessly.
He added a vital 84-run partnership with Usman Khawaja, who contributed 40, before forging an unbeaten stand of 122 with Alex Carey, who finished the day on 52 not out and is eyeing a second century in the match.
England’s Brief Resistance Led by Stokes and Archer
England’s only meaningful resistance came earlier in the day through captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Jofra Archer. Resuming on 213 for eight, the pair added 106 runs for the ninth wicket — England’s highest ninth-wicket partnership in Australia since 1924.
Stokes battled for his 83 off 159 balls, registering his slowest Test half-century and the slowest by any England batter in the Bazball era. Archer provided valuable support with an aggressive 51, his maiden Test fifty, and the second-highest score ever by an England number 10 in Australia.
Stokes appeared visibly frustrated after being bowled by Mitchell Starc when well set for a century, while Archer followed him to the boundary in a show of solidarity that reflected their long-standing partnership dating back to the 2019 World Cup final.
Growing Concerns for England and the Bazball Project
Despite their effort, England appear to be running out of answers. Their fate in both the match and the series was effectively sealed by their fragile batting display on day two. Outside of individual performances from Stokes and Archer, England have been consistently outplayed in all departments.
Of increasing concern is Stokes’ fitness. The all-rounder has yet to bowl in Australia’s second innings, raising questions about his physical condition for the remainder of the tour. Observers noted moments when the England captain appeared visibly uncomfortable while fielding.
The wider implications extend beyond this Test. With pressure mounting on several batters, including Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, and Jamie Smith, England may soon face difficult selection decisions. Even extending the match to Sunday would only delay what feels like an inevitable outcome.
Australia March Toward the Ashes
Australia’s confidence continues to grow with every session. Head’s promotion to open the batting earlier in the series now looks like a defining tactical move, having given the hosts momentum they have never relinquished.
With Alex Carey also in sublime form and the bowling attack consistently delivering, Australia are closing in on regaining the Ashes in emphatic fashion. England, meanwhile, are left clinging to faint hope, facing not only defeat in Adelaide but a historically swift end to their Ashes campaign.
Leave a Reply