AUS vs ENG Ashes 2025–26: Day 3 Stumps — Australia in Complete Control

Adelaide, December 19, 2025 – Australia tightened their grip on the third Ashes Test and the series itself, reaching 271/4 in their second innings at stumps on Day 3, building a commanding 356-run lead over England. Local heroes Travis Head (142*) and Alex Carey (52*) remained unbeaten, frustrating England’s bowlers in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership that has all but sealed the match and potentially the Ashes for the hosts.

Stumps Scores

• Australia: 371 & 271/4 (Head 142*, Carey 52*)
• England: 286 all out
• Australia lead by 356 runs

Day 3 Summary

England resumed on 213/8, still trailing by 158 runs after Australia’s first-innings 371. Captain Ben Stokes (83) and Jofra Archer (51) provided stubborn resistance in the morning session, adding valuable runs in a ninth-wicket stand that briefly raised hopes of keeping the deficit manageable. Stokes fought hard for nearly two sessions before Mitchell Starc clean-bowled him with a wobble-seam delivery that jagged back to shatter off-stump. Archer soon followed, reaching a maiden Test fifty but falling shortly after as Australia wrapped up the innings for 286 – a trail of 85 runs.

Australia’s second innings started shakily before lunch, losing opener Jake Weatherald lbw to Brydon Carse (a decision he failed to review despite the ball pitching outside leg). Post-lunch, Josh Tongue dismissed Cameron Green (7) caught in the slips, and Will Jacks removed Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne also fell cheaply to Tongue (13).

But Travis Head, batting at his beloved Adelaide Oval, steadied the ship and accelerated brilliantly. Dropped on 99, he brought up his century (his fourth consecutive ton at this venue) and finished unbeaten on 142. Alex Carey, fresh off a first-innings hundred, joined him in a defiant stand, reaching his fifty late in the day. The pair batted calmly through the final sessions, punishing loose deliveries and leaving England looking drained and out of ideas.

England’s bowling lacked penetration in the afternoon and evening, with questionable tactics (including overuse of short balls) allowing Australia to build momentum. Ben Stokes bowled sparingly, possibly nursing an issue, adding to England’s woes.

Key Performances

• Travis Head: 142* – Masterful hometown knock, turning the game decisively.
• Alex Carey: 52* – Solid support, eyeing a second ton in the match.
• Ben Stokes: 83 – Valiant effort but ended in frustration.
• Jofra Archer: 51 – Career-best with the bat, plus useful wickets.

Australia are overwhelming favorites to wrap up victory on Day 4, retaining the Ashes with a potential 3-0 series lead. England face a monumental chase or a fight for survival, with their Bazball approach under severe scrutiny once more.

Play resumes on Day 4 at Adelaide Oval. Stay tuned for more updates on ClickUSAnews.com!