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Australia took control of the Sydney Test during the third day and pushed England to the back-foot. Travis Head's batting masterclass and Steve Smith's maiden hundred of the series helped the Baggy Greens cross the 500-run mark in their first innings and also avoided being bowled out.
The third day began with Australia on 166/2 with Head and Michael Neser being there in the middle. The latter had been sent as a night-watchman after Marnus Labuschagne had lost his wicket in the final few overs of Day 2. The day began on a high for Head as he went on to score his third century of the series. The left-hand batter continued his red-hot form with the knock and became just the seventh Australian opener to record three tons in an Ashes series.
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Head didn't stop even after reaching triple figures and continued to punish the opposing bowlers. However, Neser couldn't continue his stay on the crease for long and got dismissed for 24 runs by Brydon Carse. Smith came in to bat next and formed a solid partnership alaongside Head.The latter eventually surpassed the 150-run mark as the hosts got within touching distance of England's total of 384 in the first innings. He would eventually be dismissed for 163 runs by Jacob Bethell as Australia went down to 288/4. Head's explosive inning included 24 boundaries and a six.
Khawaja fails to deliver in farewell Test
Usman Khawaja, who is set to retire from international cricket after the Sydney Test, failed to play a big knock in the first innings and got dismissed for 17 runs. Alex Carey also failed to score big as Josh Tongue got rid of him for 16 runs. It looked like the visitors were getting back into the game, but a solid stand between Smith and Cameron Green helped Australia in gaining control once again.
Smith proved to be the aggressor among the two and went on to register his first hundred of the series in stunning fashion. The knock put the Aussies in-charge and helped them take the lead. Green lost his wicket for 37 runs, but Beau Webster also caused a lot of probelms for the English bowling attack. Smith also kept on scoring runs and made sure to not lose his wicket.
Australia end the day on a high
The third day would eventually come to an end with Smith unbeaten on 129 and Webster also unbeaten on 42. Australia posted a total of 518/7 on the board and currently lead by 134 runs. It remains to be seen as to how far will the Baggy Greens manage to take their total as the action resumes on Day 4 in Sydney.
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