Travis Head’s unbeaten 142 powered Australia into a commanding position on the third day of the Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, as the hosts reached 271/4 at stumps and stretched their overall lead to a daunting 356 runs.
Head, dropped on 99 by Harry Brook, made England pay dearly as he brought up his second century of the series and 11th of his Test career. It was also his fourth hundred against England, underlining his growing influence in this Ashes contest.
Alex Carey provided ideal support late in the day, remaining unbeaten on 52 as the pair added an unbroken 122 runs for the fifth wicket to leave England facing a near-impossible task.
Stokes and Archer Offer Brief Resistance
England began the day with renewed intent, with captain Ben Stokes leading from the front. His 83, combined with Jofra Archer’s aggressive 51, lifted England briefly and reduced the first-innings deficit to 85 after a 106-run stand for the ninth wicket.
However, once that partnership was broken, the visitors were bowled out for 286, squandering the momentum they had worked hard to build.
England Strike Early But Fail To Sustain Pressure
Brydon Carse struck early in Australia’s second innings, trapping Jake Weatherald lbw for one before lunch. Josh Tongue then removed Marnus Labuschagne cheaply after the interval to give England a flicker of hope.
But Australia remained largely untroubled through the middle session, losing only Labuschagne as they reached 119/2 at tea. Usman Khawaja batted with trademark patience, adding 86 with Head before falling for 40.
Two quick wickets after tea, Khawaja to Will Jacks and Cameron Green to Tongue, briefly lifted England, but by then Australia’s lead was already approaching 300.
Head and Carey Shut the Door
Head continued to dominate, punishing anything loose and controlling the tempo, while Carey once again showed his value down the order with a fluent half-century. Their stand ensured Australia finished the day firmly in control, with time and runs firmly on their side.
England spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel admitted the scale of the challenge ahead but insisted the visitors had not given up.
I still believe there’s an opportunity for us. It won’t be easy. We’re going to need something magical, but it’s about time we saw something magical from us: Now we’re backed into a corner, it’s time to throw some haymakers back.
Patel also confirmed that Stokes was fit to bowl but did not do so on Friday due to fatigue.
From what I understand, he’s fit to bowl. He’s just probably knackered and has taken a lot out of himself to get through to this point of the game.
With Australia holding all the cards, England will need something extraordinary on Day Four to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
Brief Scores: Australia 371 and 271/ 4 in 66 overs (Travis Head 142 not out, Alex Carey 52 not out; Josh Tongue 2-59) lead England 286 (Ben Stokes 83, Jofra Archer 51, Scott Boland 3-45, Pat Cummins 3-69) by 356 runs.
