Australia’s batters delivered a masterclass of patience and power on the third day of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, turning the match firmly in their favour and leaving England toiling under the sun.
The home side built a commanding position, reaching 518 for seven from 124 overs by stumps. Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 129, while Travis Head’s explosive 163 earlier in the day set the tone for a relentless display. With an overnight lead of 134 runs, Australia appear well placed to seal the series.
Head’s Explosive Century Sets the Foundation
Travis Head picked up seamlessly from his overnight score, quickly moving to his third century of the series and finishing with 163 from just 166 balls. His aggressive strokeplay punished the England attack, particularly debutant Matthew Potts, who conceded 141 runs in 25 overs, including a huge six from Head that brought up three figures in only 91 balls.
Head added nine runs to reach triple figures early on day three before Jacob Bethell eventually trapped him lbw after lunch. His series tally now stands at exactly 600 runs, a remarkable return since stepping up as opener due to Usman Khawaja’s injury in Perth.
England’s fielding struggles continued with three more dropped catches, taking their series total to around 17. Will Jacks was particularly unfortunate, grassing two chances off Head, the first on 121 proving especially costly as it allowed the left-hander to unleash further destruction.
Smith’s Masterful Ton Highlights Australian Resolve
Steve Smith produced one of his most characteristic innings, full of quirks, sight-screen adjustments, and trademark deflections. He reached his 37th Test century and 13th in Ashes cricket, moving past Jack Hobbs to second on the all-time Ashes run-scorers list, trailing only Don Bradman.
Smith’s unbeaten 129 came from 205 balls, featuring signature moments like a four off Ben Stokes to take the lead and a straight six off Bethell to pass 400. He survived a tough chance on 12 but otherwise dominated, building innings with precision and flair.
The day belonged to Smith, whose eccentric celebrations and dirty whites after evading bouncers added colour to a performance that underscored Australia’s depth and determination.
England Left Exhausted and Questioning Their Approach
England’s bowlers toiled without much reward on a pitch offering good bounce and carry for batting. The short-ball plan failed to unsettle Smith, while the second new ball brought limited threat as Stokes appeared fatigued after a long spell.
Support came from lower-order all-rounders Cameron Green (37) and Beau Webster (42 not out), who helped extend the innings alongside Smith. Australia posted strong partnerships throughout, contrasting sharply with England’s collapse of five for 61 late on day two.
Fielding errors, review misjudgments, and a lack of penetration left Ben Stokes and his team visibly drained as they left the field. The Barmy Army’s efforts to rally their side were met with familiar frustration at a venue where Australia have repeatedly posted huge totals against England in recent years.
