Ashes Test 3 Day 5 : Australia win by 82 runs as Starc stars in a tense final day at Adelaide Oval.
Australia retained the Ashes in emphatic fashion as they closed out the third Test on Day 5 at Adelaide, sealing an 82-run victory over England and moving 3–0 up in the series. It took patience, discipline, and one final burst of quality, but the result was never truly in doubt. Mitchell Starc delivered the decisive blows on the final morning, while Scott Boland sealed the moment, sending the home crowd into celebration as Australia confirmed Ashes supremacy with two Tests still to play.
What Happened Till Day 4 Stumps
England began the final day still alive, chasing a daunting target after Australia’s second-innings declaration had set the game firmly in the hosts’ control. While early wickets had fallen on Day 4, resistance from the middle and lower order ensured England survived into the fifth morning. Australia, however, had done enough across the first four days — Travis Head’s dominant second-innings century, Alex Carey’s calm contributions, and consistent pressure with the ball ensured England were always chasing the game rather than dictating it.
Australia vs England – 3rd Ashes Test • Day 5
The Ashes 2025/26 • Adelaide Oval
Day 5 Summary
Day 5 unfolded as a tense but controlled finish for Australia. England showed admirable fight through Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, and Brydon Carse, briefly stirring belief in the chase. However, Australia never panicked. Mitchell Starc’s pace, bounce, and relentlessness broke partnerships at key moments, while Pat Cummins marshalled his resources smartly despite Nathan Lyon’s injury. Once Starc removed Jacks and Archer in quick succession, the result became inevitable. Scott Boland delivered the final blow, confirming Australia’s Ashes retention amid jubilant scenes at Adelaide Oval.
Player of the Match – Alex Carey: Ice-Cold Nerves in an Ashes Decider
Alex Carey’s Player of the Match display with crucial 106 and 72 run knocks in this match, was built on calm judgment and flawless timing under pressure. With the Ashes at stake, Carey delivered when it mattered most, crafting a vital century in the first innings that dragged Australia into a position of control. His innings was defined by patience rather than flair, blunting England’s attack and ensuring Australia never lost momentum. Behind the stumps, Carey was just as influential, staying sharp through long sessions and playing his part in key breakthroughs. In a Test decided by discipline and mental strength, Carey’s steady excellence proved decisive in sealing Australia’s Ashes triumph.
Session-wise Breakdown on Day-5
Morning Session: England Push Back, Australia Stay Calm
England began the morning with intent, determined to stretch Australia for as long as possible. Jamie Smith batted with clarity and courage, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries to reach a well-earned fifty. Will Jacks complemented him well, showing patience mixed with calculated aggression. Australia were tested, especially when Nathan Lyon was forced off with a hamstring injury, leaving them a bowler short. Yet, even as England edged closer, Australia’s discipline never wavered. Starc and Cummins kept probing, allowing no easy momentum, ensuring England’s progress remained hard-earned.
Afternoon Session: Starc Turns the Screw
The post-lunch session proved decisive. Mitchell Starc returned with renewed venom, extracting bounce and movement from a pitch offering little assistance. His dismissal of Jamie Smith ended England’s most promising resistance, and from there, pressure mounted rapidly. Will Jacks fought hard but eventually fell to Starc, caught brilliantly by Marnus Labuschagne. Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer attempted one final push, dragging the target under 100, but Australia’s fielding intensity and relentless lines ensured England never truly threatened a miracle. The session belonged firmly to the hosts.
Final Session: Boland Seals the Ashes
With only the tail remaining, Australia smelt blood. Starc continued to attack, removing Archer with a sharp short ball before Scott Boland took over to finish the job. England’s resistance finally ended when Boland induced an edge from Josh Tongue, safely taken by Labuschagne at slip. The celebrations were instant and emotional. Australia had not merely won a Test match — they had retained the Ashes with authority. The final session encapsulated the series: pressure, patience, and precision from a side operating at its peak.
Top Performers of Day 5
Mitchell Starc – The Series Enforcer
Mitchell Starc was the difference once again. On a surface offering minimal assistance, he produced a masterclass in fast bowling — attacking the stumps, varying angles, and maintaining relentless pace. Starc claimed three crucial wickets on Day 5, ending England’s hopes just as belief began to flicker. His series numbers underline his impact: 51 wickets in Tests in 2025 at a strike rate unmatched in history. Beyond the statistics, it was Starc’s timing that stood out — always delivering when Australia needed him most.
Alex Carey – Calm in the Chaos
Alex Carey’s influence extended well beyond his runs. Named Player of the Match, Carey combined assured batting with exceptional wicketkeeping, standing up to the seamers and spinners alike. His hundred earlier in the match gave Australia vital breathing space, while his glovework ensured pressure never eased on England’s batters. Carey became only the second wicketkeeper in Ashes history to score a century and register seven dismissals in a Test, joining elite company and reinforcing his growing stature in this Australian side.
Day Highlights
Post Match Presentation:
What to Expect Next
With the Ashes retained, attention now turns to the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, beginning December 26. England will play for pride and momentum, while Australia will aim to extend their dominance and push for a historic clean sweep. Rotation, injuries, and conditions may shape selections, but one thing is certain — the contest is far from done, and the next chapter promises more drama.
