- Australia 371: Carey 106, Archer 5-53 & 271-4: Head 142*, Carey 52*
- England 286: Stokes 83, Archer 51; Boland 3-45
- Australia lead by 356 runs
Australia tightened their grip on the Ashes with a dominant display in the third Test, leaving England facing an uphill battle in a match they could ill afford to lose. On a surface that rewarded positive intent, the hosts combined discipline with aggression to turn a competitive contest into one-sided control.
The defining moment arrived through Travis Head, whose commanding innings reshaped the match narrative. Batting with authority and clarity, Head dismantled England’s bowling plans, punishing loose deliveries while rotating the strike intelligently against tighter lines. His hundred was not merely a personal milestone but a statement of intent, shifting pressure squarely onto the touring side.
England’s bowlers showed early promise, probing with movement and varying pace, yet they were unable to sustain pressure for long spells. As partnerships developed, fields spread and control slipped, allowing Australia to build a lead that felt increasingly decisive. Missed opportunities in the field compounded England’s frustrations, with key chances failing to halt the momentum.
Ben Stokes’ side now finds itself searching for inspiration. The batting order faces the dual challenge of erasing a significant deficit while withstanding a confident Australian attack that thrives when defending runs. Patience and resilience will be essential, but time and conditions are no longer on England’s side.
For Australia, the performance underlined their depth and adaptability. Calm leadership, disciplined bowling, and Head’s counter-attacking brilliance combined to place them firmly in the driving seat. As the Test progresses, England’s Ashes hopes hang by a thread, while Australia stand poised to capitalise and push the series further in their favour.
