Australia’s Dominant Victory in the Third Ashes Test
Australia secured an emphatic 82-run win over England on the final day of the third Test in Adelaide, confirming England’s disappointing defeat in the Ashes series.
This victory, following their earlier successes in Perth and Brisbane, gives Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, matching the record for the shortest time frame for an Ashes decision in the last century.
Starting Sunday on 207-6, England’s Jamie Smith (60), Will Jacks (47), and Brydon Carse (38 not out) fought back, but Mitchell Starc (3-62) brought Australia close to victory. Scott Boland’s dismissal of Josh Tongue wrapped up England’s innings at 352, falling short of the record 435 required to win.
Score Summary: Australia vs England, Third Ashes Test
Australia 371 all out (1st Innings): Alex Carey (106 off 143), Usman Khawaja (82 off 126), Mitchell Starc (54 off 75); Jofra Archer (5-53)
England 286 all out (1st Innings): Ben Stokes (83 off 198), Jofra Archer (51 off 105), Harry Brook (45 off 63); Scott Boland (3-45), Pat Cummins (3-69)
Australia 349 all out (2nd Innings): Travis Head (170 off 219), Alex Carey (72 off 128), Usman Khawaja (40 off 51); Josh Tongue (4-70), Brydon Carse (3-80)
England 352 all out (2nd Innings): Zak Crawley (85 off 151), Jamie Smith (60 off 83), Will Jacks (47 off 137); Pat Cummins (3-48), Mitchell Starc (3-62), Nathan Lyon (3-77)
Crumbling Confidence and Leadership Questions
The manner of Australia’s victory raises concerns regarding the futures of captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, particularly as England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ style faced its most challenging test. Stokes acknowledged the disappointment, stating, “That dream that we came here with is now over. Everyone is obviously hurting and quite emotional about it.”
McCullum accepted his role in the team’s underpreparedness, reflecting on whether different preparations could have changed the outcome. “You put your hand up and say I didn’t get that right because we’ve lost 3-0,” he commented.
Australia’s Remarkable Resilience
Despite significant player absences, Australia has thrived, with captain Pat Cummins returning for this Test after injuries sidelined him previously. Their determination was evident, even when spinner Nathan Lyon sustained a hamstring injury during the final morning.
With the Ashes retained for the fourth consecutive time since regaining it in 2017, Cummins expressed pride in his team’s fortitude. “Nothing ever really happens perfectly, but this group just cracks on,” he remarked, emphasizing their resilience through adversity.
