Under the scorching sun at Adelaide Oval, the third Test of the 2025/26 Ashes series kicked off on December 19, 2025, with Australia taking control against a struggling England team. The home side, already ahead in the five-match series 2-0 after solid wins in Perth and Brisbane, extended their lead on day three.
Travis Head, the opener from South Australia, played an incredible innings of 142 not out off 196 balls marking his fourth straight Test century at his home ground helping Australia reach 4-271 in their second innings and establishing a solid lead of 356 runs by the end of the day. This display not only dashed England’s chances of bouncing back in the series but also put Australia in a strong position for an unassailable 3-0 lead, with two Tests still to go.
Adelaide celebrates one of its own as Travis Head seals another Ashes-defining innings
Travis Head’s performance was a clear sign of his love for Adelaide Oval, where he boasts an impressive average of 87.33 over four Tests. The 32-year-old from Tea Tree Gully celebrated his 11th Test century overall, and his second of the series, in front of a lively crowd of 53,696 that filled the Members’ Stand.
Following his explosive 123 off 83 balls in Perth that led Australia to an eight-wicket victory, Head took a more cautious approach here, mixing smooth drives with well-thought-out risks.
Tension hit its peak at 99 not out after 188 balls. Harry Brook, who is England’s vice-captain, missed a diving opportunity at gully off Jofra Archer, allowing Head to avoid an early dismissal. After a tense nine-ball wait, Head went after Joe Root, sending the off-spinner over long-off for four to hit three figures.
TRAVIS HEAD DROPPED ON 99 REACHES HIS HUNDRED WITH A FOUR. 🔥
– 4th Test century in a row by Head at the Adelaide Oval.
pic.twitter.com/5Eg2Ykeo4w— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 19, 2025
In a moment of pure joy, he took off his helmet and gloves, dropped to his knees, and kissed the drop-in pitch, a move that showed his deep love for the venue. The crowd went wild, with South Australian fans flooding into city bars after the game, celebrating their local hero.
Head’s knock included 13 boundaries and two sixes, breaking down England’s diverse strategies: wide lines from seam bowlers over the wicket, fuller lengths with the new ball, short-pitched attacks, and Root’s off-breaks.
He partnered with Usman Khawaja (40) for an 86-run stand, stabilizing the innings after the early dismissals of Jake Weatherald (lbw to Brydon Carse, no review even though it pitched outside leg) and Marnus Labuschagne (bowled by precise seam movement). Khawaja, filling in for the injured Steve Smith, was dismissed by a wayward delivery from Will Jacks that he edged to slip.
Alex Carey, who scored 52 not out off 91 balls, teamed up with Head for a solid 122-run partnership for the fifth wicket, putting Australia in a comfortable position.
When Head reached his milestone, Carey, another centurion from South Australia (even though his first-innings century didn’t get much attention), gave him a warm embrace, showcasing the pride of the local players.
Mitchell Starc dismisses Ben Stokes for the 12th time to end England’s resistance
England kicked off the day with determination but wrapped it up in the same old disappointment. Starting at 8-180 down by 158 after Australia’s first innings of 466 Stokes and No. 10 Archer put together a solid 106-run partnership, which was England’s second-best of the series.
Stokes, digging deep after his tough day-two performance in 40C heat, managed to scrape together a tough 83 from 159 ballshis slowest Test fifty (previously 152 balls, only this one beats it). The duo, who had a fiery exchange on the pitch earlier, came together to cut the deficit in half.
Australia decided to hold back their key bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood for the second new ball, letting the excitement grow with cheers from the Barmy Army.
Starc was absent from the unforgettable 2019 Headingley match that still haunts Australia, got his payback with a wobble-seam inswinger that sent Stokes packing through the gate, marking his 12th dismissal of England’s star player in Tests. Stokes reacted with a childish foot-stamp and a toss of his bat, proving that the Bazball comeback had fallen apart.
Archer, demonstrating the batting resilience that has been lacking in England’s top order, was dismissed by Scott Boland (3-45), which resulted in England being all out for 286, still trailing by 85 runs.
Their bowlers, experimenting with various tactics, showed some early potential Cameron Green edged a wide full ball from Josh Tongue to Brook after surviving a half-volley but they were unable to halt Head’s scoring.
England’s spin coach provided insight into Stokes’ workload. “From what I understand he’s pretty fit to bowl,” Jeetan Patel told reporters in Adelaide. “I know he’s pretty knackered.”
Stokes, feeling drained both physically and mentally, took a break from bowling duties, highlighting the impact of his all-round efforts.
