Travis Head’s commanding unbeaten 142 has put Australia in a commanding position on day three of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. The hosts closed on 271-4 in their second innings, leading by 356 runs overall with six wickets remaining.
With Australia already 2-0 up in the series, a victory here would allow them to retain the Ashes with two matches to spare. England’s hopes of a comeback appear increasingly slim.
Head Dominates as Australia Build Massive Lead
Head, who has made this Adelaide ground his own with four successive Test hundreds here, reached his 11th Test century and fourth against England. He was dropped on 99 by Harry Brook but soon drove Joe Root for four to bring up the milestone.
He added 84 with Usman Khawaja (40) and an unbroken 122 with Alex Carey (52no), who followed his first-innings hundred with another vital contribution. The pair ensured Australia cashed in on a flat pitch.
England’s bowlers struggled to contain Head, who navigated the new ball and exploited the absence of Ben Stokes from the attack. Various field placements failed to curb his scoring.
Brief Fightback from Stokes and Archer
England started the day on 213-8, trailing by 158. Stokes (83) and Jofra Archer (51) added 106 for the ninth wicket — England’s highest ninth-wicket stand in Australia since 1924. Stokes’ 50 came from 159 balls, his slowest in Tests, while Archer notched his maiden Test fifty.
Stokes was run out by Mitchell Starc through the gate, ending the innings at 286 — trailing by 85 on first innings. This partnership offered brief hope, but Australia dominated thereafter.
Australia’s Grip Tightens
Brydon Carse trapped Jake Weatherald lbw early, and Josh Tongue removed Marnus Labuschagne cheaply. But Head’s innings snuffed out any chance of a low target.
If Australia win on day four, it would be the fastest Ashes series decider since 1921. England now need their highest successful chase at Adelaide to stay alive — a monumental task.
