Cricket
Australia clinch the Ashes with 82-run victory in Adelaide─── MORGAN PIEK 08:07 Sun, 21 Dec 2025
Australia have emphatically retained the Ashes in barely 11 days of cricket, crushing England by 82 runs on day five of the third Test at the Adelaide Oval to surge to an unassailable 3–0 lead in the series.
England were bowled out for 352 in their second innings on Sunday, leaving the Baggy Greens celebrating in front of a raucous South Australian crowd after another commanding all-round performance.
Australia laid the platform with 371 in their first innings, built around a superb 106 from wicketkeeper Alex Carey and a composed 82 from Usman Khawaja. Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc added valuable runs down the order with a fighting 54. Jofra Archer was the standout for England, ripping through the hosts with 5/53 in 20.2 overs.
Travis Head. Photo: Cricinfo
In reply, England were dismissed for 286. Captain Ben Stokes dug in with a defiant 83 off 198 balls, while Archer frustrated the Australians late in the innings with a gritty 51 off 105. Scott Boland led the way with 3/45, supported by skipper Pat Cummins, who claimed 3/69.
The match was effectively put beyond England’s reach in Australia’s second innings, thanks to a majestic 170 from Travis Head - his 11th Test century and fourth at his beloved Adelaide Oval. Carey once again stood tall with the bat, contributing 72, while Khawaja chipped in with a fluent 40 as Australia posted 349. Josh Tongue impressed for England with 4/70, and Brydon Carse picked up 3/80.
Alex Carey. Photo: Cricinfo
Set a daunting 435 to win and keep the series alive, England showed some fight but ultimately fell short, bowled out for 352. Zak Crawley top-scored with a polished 85 off 151 balls, Jamie Smith added a brisk 60, and Will Jacks made 47. Joe Root and Carse each scored 39, but the target proved too steep.
With scores of 106 and 70, six catches behind the stumps and a decisive influence on the game, local hero Carey was a popular choice as Player of the Match.
“We knew what was on the line and I thought the boys played what was in front of us,” Carey said afterwards.
Pat Cummins. Photo: Cricinfo
“We knew it would be a challenge and a real grind to the end. It’s been a lot of fun - this Adelaide crowd has been something special.
“Travis was again something special here. I know how good he is and he’s showing the world. To be able to contribute to wins is always what I’m trying to do.
“I’m lucky to play a lot of Shield cricket here, so it’s a familiar surface. For Usman to come in at late notice, play the way he did and score a hundred with his family here - that was a very special moment.”
The fourth Ashes Test gets under way on Friday at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the Boxing Day Test set to begin at 1:30am.
