England Test captain Ben Stokes’ dream of winning the Ashes on Australian soil has been shattered. The Bazball-clad England arrived in Australia with hope but in a space of 11 days’ play, they have abandoned the approach and will go back home without the urn again. On Day 5, England’s lower order put up a fight. Nathan Lyon getting injured early worked in their way. But, Australia were too good for England lower order who are prone to making mistakes. They managed to post 352 in the run chase of 435, the highest fourth innings Ashes score in Adelaide since 1925, but it wasn’t enough. Australia won the third Test by 82 runs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Ashes 2025-26 with two more Tests to go.
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Promising 1st session for England
Starting the Day 5 at 207/6, Will Jacks and Jamie Smith lifted the spirits in the first session. Smith hit the big shots to give the England fans something to cheer for. Rain played spoilsport midway through the 74th over of the innings. Smith picked up right where he left after the break. After the new ball was taken, he reached his fifty from 80 deliveries. Starc got the crucial breakthrough with his second over with the second new ball. Smith went for a slog and paid the price for it. He scored 60 runs from 83 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes. When he departed, England were 285/7.
Jacks, Carse make England hope but Starc does the job again
Jacks and Brydon Carse held the fort. They got England past the 300-run mark. At the end of first session, England were 309/7. In the absence of an injured Lyon, Travis Head was introduced into the attack but he could not break the partnership. Carse survived whereas Jacks looked strong in defense. Starc changed ends and came from around the wicket to lure Jacks into a shot away from the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne dived to his left to take a one-handed stunner. A dejected Jacks returned to the pavilion after scoring 47 runs from 137 deliveries.
In the end, the target was too big for the English tailenders to achieve. Jofra Archer played a reckless shot to lose his wicket to Starc whereas Scott Boland dismissed Josh Tongue to wrap the proceedings at Adelaide Oval.
Carey, Head stand out
Earlier, Australia posted 371 on the board in the first innings. After top order was sent back to the pavilion cheaply, Alex Carey's third Test ton, Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Starc's fifties helped Australia make a comeback despite Archer's fifer.
In reply, England lost early wickets as well. Skipper Stokes and Archer's fifties helped England post 286. In the third innings, Head took the game away from the visitors. His 170-run knock, supported by Carey's 72 steered Australia to 349 and set a target of 435.