Ashes Test 2 Day 3: Starc Dominates with Bat and Ball
Day 3 at the Gabba belonged to Mitchell Starc — with bat and ball. A gutsy 77 with the bat propelled Australia’s first innings to 511, and then with two crucial wickets under the lights, Starc helped seal a dominant position for the hosts. By stumps, England were 134/6 in their second innings, trailing by 43 runs, with very little hope of pulling the Test back from the edge.
Day Summary
Australia extended their grip on the Test on Day 3. What began as an already favorable day grew into a near-full stamp of authority. The lower-order batsmen — backed by Starc’s power and resilience — marched the total to 511. When England came out to bat again under the pink-ball lights, the momentum simply never left Australia’s side. Tight seam bowling, constant pressure, and English errors led to a collapse. At stumps, England had lost six wickets, still trailing and staring down the barrel. The pendulum has swung decisively — Australia now lead not just on the scoreboard, but in control.
Australia vs England – 2nd Ashes Test • Day 3
The Ashes 2025/26 • 4–8 December 2025
Session-by-Session Breakdown
Morning Session
Australia began Day 3 from 378/6 and quickly carried on their push. The lower order — including wickets-taking bowlers — showed determination. Starc grabbed the spotlight, playing with grit and intent, adding a crucial 77 to the total. Contributions from players like Alex Carey (a brisk fifty) and support from other batters helped Australia surpass 450 before tea. By midday, they looked set to post a massive first-innings score.
Afternoon Session
Post-tea, Australia didn’t relent. The tail wagged dangerously: Starc was finally dismissed — but not before the hosts had taken total past 500. The final verification came as Australia declared on 511 — a hefty first-innings total giving them what looked like a match-winning lead. England’s bowlers, visibly struggling with length and consistency, couldn’t find a way in.
Evening Session (Pink Ball, Under Lights)
Under the floodlights, England’s reply began with cautious optimism. Early wicket-taking success gave some hope — but the match quickly unraveled. Led by incisive seam bowling from Scott Boland and Starc himself, England lost six wickets for 44 runs, collapsing to 134/6 by stumps. Misjudged shots, pressure, and a relentless Australian attack left England reeling, trailing by 43 runs with only four wickets left. A dramatic finish to the day that looked to seal Australia’s dominance.
Top Performers of Day 3
Mitchell Starc — All-Round Heroics
Starc’s 77 (off 141 balls) was a masterclass in patience and power under pressure — a rare knockout blow from a tail-ender. Then with the ball under lights, he struck again, taking crucial wickets and turning the screws on England’s fragile chase. His all-round effort turned Day 3 into a statement day for Australia.
Alex Carey & Lower-Order Support
While the top and middle order laid base, the lower-order batsmen made sure Australia didn’t leave any runs on the table. Carey’s aggressive fifty under pressure helped push the total beyond 500. Combined contributions from bowlers with the bat turned what looked like an already good total into a formidable one.
Scott Boland — Seam Pressure & Night-time Wickets
Boland’s consistent seam bowling under the pink ball provided key breakthroughs in England’s second innings. His accuracy and ability to exploit conditions helped dismantle the chasing lineup, reinforcing Australian control as night fell.
What to Expect on Day 4
England begin Day 4 with four wickets in hand, but face a mountain: a 43-run deficit plus a surging Australian bowling + fielding combo. To stay alive, they’ll need gritty resistance from their tail, error-free batting, and early wickets if Australia bat again. On the flip side — if Australia get just one or two quick wickets — they could wrap up the Test fast. With momentum, crowd, and form all on their side, Australia look poised to seal another Ashes Test in dominant fashion.
Ashes Test 2 Day 3 Highlights
