Ashes Test 3 Day 3 : Australia Dominant as Head, Carey Consolidate
Australia seized full control of the Third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval on Ashes Test 3 Day 3 as veteran opener Travis Head unleashed a masterful century, threading patience with aggression to carve an unassailable position for the hosts. With Head unbeaten well into the afternoon and Alex Carey complementing him with a strong half-century, Australia stretched their lead beyond 350 runs, further denting England’s hopes in the series decider after the tourists were dismissed earlier in their first innings.
What Had Happened Till Day-2 Stumps
Australia had strengthened their control of the third Ashes Test by the close of Day 2, taking a commanding 158-run lead at Adelaide after a dominant all-round display. Lower-order runs, led by Mitchell Starc’s second fifty of the series, lifted Australia to a strong total despite Jofra Archer’s excellent five-wicket haul. England’s reply followed a familiar pattern as early promise gave way to a collapse, with Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon ripping through the top and middle order, while Cameron Green removed Harry Brook just before tea. Ben Stokes, battling cramps, showed grit to remain unbeaten alongside Archer at stumps, but Australia’s disciplined bowling and scoreboard pressure left England firmly on the back foot heading into Day 3.
Australia vs England – Ashes Test 2 Day 3
The Ashes 2025/26 • Adelaide Oval
Ashes Test 2 Day 3 Summary
Day 3 belonged to Australia’s batting as Travis Head and Alex Carey extended an already imposing advantage established through dominant bowling earlier in the match. Head’s innings was a study in resilience and timing, combining powerful drives with patient occupation of the crease, while Carey ensured the scoreboard kept ticking with controlled stroke play. England’s bowlers struggled to dislodge the duo, despite intermittent breakthroughs and tight spells, as the hosts progressively applied scoreboard pressure. By the close of play, Australia stood at 271/4 in their second innings with a lead of 356 runs, a commanding position heading into Day 4.
Session-Wise Summary of Day 3
Morning Session — Stokes–Archer Resistance, Australia Still on Top
England enjoyed a productive morning on Day 3, adding 73 runs to their overnight total through a superb ninth-wicket stand between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. Stokes batted with far greater intent, while Archer capped a fine all-round performance with his maiden Test fifty after a five-wicket haul. Their 106-run partnership was finally broken by Mitchell Starc with the second new ball, before Scott Boland ended the innings at 286, handing Australia an 85-run lead. England struck early in Australia’s reply, but conditions remain good for batting and Australia stay firmly in control.
Afternoon Session — Century Milestone and Partnerships Flourish
Australia continued to consolidate their advantage in a controlled afternoon session, losing just one wicket while moving into a strong position. Travis Head played an uncharacteristically measured innings scoring 68 off 94 balls till tea, resisting the urge to dominate and instead batting to England’s plans, reaching his fifty and looking well set for a big score on home soil. Brydon Carse bowled an excellent spell and was unlucky not to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne earlier, before Josh Tongue finally removed him. England’s spin options struggled to make an impact, and with Archer bowling only a short spell at reduced pace, Australia ended the session firmly on top.
Evening Session — Closing Grip and Big Lead Secured
The evening session saw the Australian innings move past the 250-run mark with Head and Carey continuing to see off every challenge. England found little joy with the ball as they battled to make inroads, and the Adelaide Oval crowd sensed the match slipping away from the tourists. Travis Head, now well past three figures, mixed aggression with wisdom, targeting bad balls while respecting tight lines from the bowlers. Carey, unbeaten and composed, rotated strike smoothly, ensuring no collapse threatened. As stumps approached, Australia finished on 271/4, leading by 356 runs — a massive cushion that puts the hosts firmly in the driver’s seat heading into the final two days.
Top Performers of Day 3
Travis Head
Travis Head was the undeniable star of Day 3 as he crafted a masterful century that swung the Third Ashes Test decisively in Australia’s favour. Demonstrating all the hallmarks of a complete batsman, Head balanced aggression with defense, his elegant drives finding gaps and his cut shots piercing swift gaps in the field. Beyond the sheer statistical milestone — his fourth consecutive century at Adelaide Oval — Head’s innings drained England’s bowlers physically and psychologically, turning a strong match position into near certainty. His ability to rotate strike, punish loose balls, and control partnerships showcased a mature innings of high technical proficiency and strategic depth.
Alex Carey
Alex Carey provided exceptional support with an unbeaten half-century that underpinned Australia’s second innings dominance. Coming off a first-innings century earlier in the match, Carey’s confident touch carried through as he rotated strike expertly and punished any loose deliveries. His calm composure complemented Head’s assertiveness, forming a partnership that effectively blunted England’s bowling threats. Carey’s innings was measured but impactful, consistently rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking while allowing Head to play freely. His performance was vital in extending Australia’s lead beyond comfortable margins, illustrating his value not just as a keeper-batter but as a key pillar in Australia’s batting lineup.
Ashes Test 2 Day 3 Highlights
What to Expect on Day 4
With Australia’s commanding lead of 356 runs and only four wickets down in the second innings, Day 4 promises to be pivotal. England will need early strikes to deny the hosts a chance to bat deep and build an unassailable total, while Australia will look to extend their lead even further, pressing for a possible innings victory or setting a massive target. Expect renewed energy from England’s bowlers and tactical field placements as the contest intensifies.
