Ashes Test 3 Day 1: Australia Steady Start at Adelaide Oval
Australia set a solid platform on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, reaching 326/8 by stumps despite losing early wickets. Under sunny skies and on a wicket offering good balance between bat and ball, openers mounted meaningful partnerships. Alex Carey’s century and Usman Khawaja’s confident start laid the base for Australia’s commanding position. England’s bowling effort had moments of success, but the hosts maintained control throughout the day.
Day Summary
Day 1 at Adelaide Oval was defined by Australia’s ability to absorb early pressure and dominate the middle session with patient batting. The wicket played true, offering bounce and carry early on, which allowed England’s seamers to threaten the top order. However, as conditions settled, Australian batters capitalised on scoring opportunities, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. Alex Carey’s composed century and Usman Khawaja’s fluent innings anchored the team’s score at 326/8, leaving England with plenty to think about as they prepare to bowl again on Day 2.
Australia vs England – 3rd Ashes Test • Day 1
The Ashes 2025/26 • Adelaide Oval
Session-Wise Summary — Day 1
Morning Session - England Strike Early, Australia Dig In
England began with aggression and discipline, quickly finding movement off the pitch that tested the Australian batsmen. Early wickets created pressure and momentum, with seamers probing lengths and extracting seam. Yet, the hosts displayed calm under duress as they navigated the initial onslaught. By the end of the morning session, Australia had steadied themselves even though they had lost a couple of key wickets, showing resilience in tricky conditions.
Afternoon Session - Carey and Khawaja Steady the Ship
The middle of the day belonged to Australia’s rebuild. Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja took the initiative, forging a valuable partnership in the face of persistent bowling pressure from England. Runs were accumulated through well-timed drives and deft placement into gaps. The bowlers, despite maintaining tight lines, were occasionally punished for over-pitching. By tea, Australia had turned the tide and established a stable platform, moving closer to a significant total.
Evening Session: Carey’s Century Caps Australia’s Strong Finish
Australia pressed their advantage in the final session as Carey reached a well-earned century, anchoring the innings with composure. Khawaja’s support ensured the scoreboard kept ticking, even as England searched for late breakthroughs. While wickets fell towards the end, Australia never lost control of the narrative. England’s bowlers toiled hard under lights, but the lack of sustained pressure allowed Australia to finish strongly. Stumps arrived with Australia firmly placed at 326/8 — a position built on discipline, temperament, and one standout innings.
Top Performers — Day 1
Alex Carey — Composed Century Anchor
Alex Carey was the standout performer on Day 1, compiling a crucial century (106) that steadied Australia’s innings after early losses. His ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries under pressure allowed the hosts to reclaim control. Carey’s innings was marked by patient footwork and precise shot selection, earning him well-deserved praise and positioning Australia comfortably for the next innings.
Absolute SCENES as Alex Carey brings up his first Test hundred at his home ground 🙌 #Ashes
— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) December 17, 2025
pic.twitter.com/3UfJ8TcuCg
Usman Khawaja — Stylish Support Act
Khawaja provided invaluable support to Carey with a fluent 82, crafting a partnership that frustrated English bowlers. His elegant stroke play and ability to find gaps gave Australia momentum in the middle overs. Khawaja’s knock was crucial in building Australia’s sizable first-innings total, offering both defence and calculated aggression.
English Bowling Effort — Early Threat, Late Resistance
England’s seamers made meaningful early inroads, extracting movement and testing the top order. While they couldn’t prevent a big partnership, their disciplined bowling made Australia work for every run. Jofra Archer’s sustained pressure in initial overs signalled England’s intent to remain competitive throughout the Test.
Ashes Test 3 Day 1 Highlights
What to Expect on the Next Day
On Day 2, England will aim to bowl out Australia and make a swift dent in their lead. Expect renewed aggression from the pace attack early with the new ball, and spin might play a bigger role later as the wicket wears. Australia will look to extend their total and put scoreboard pressure on England. Partnerships and adaptability will be key as both sides chase control in this pivotal Test.
