Australia have sealed the Ashes in emphatic fashion, defeating England by 82 runs in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, ensuring a 3-0 series lead and retaining the historic urn. Despite spirited performances from England’s lower order, including Jamie Smith’s 60 and Will Jacks’ patient knock, Australia’s composure and precise bowling ensured victory.
England resumed Day 5 at 207 for six in pursuit of 435, with Smith and Carse providing the only significant resistance. Smith, in particular, attacked Lyon and Green, hitting multiple boundaries and two towering sixes, bringing hope of a remarkable comeback. A rain interruption briefly paused play, but the partnership between Smith and Jacks continued to frustrate the Australians, taking England past 250.
Smith’s dismissal to Cummins ended a 90-run stand that had lasted nearly 30 overs. Jacks and Carse rebuilt, but Starc’s brilliance with the ball ended the 52-run partnership, Jacks falling to a one-handed catch from Labuschagne. Carse attempted to accelerate the scoring with a six and a boundary, but Boland and Starc tightened the Australian grip, leaving England all out for 352.
Australia had earlier set the foundation with Alex Carey’s superb 106 and Usman Khawaja’s patient 82, recovering from 94 for 4 to post 371. Starc’s 54 and Archer’s five-wicket haul ensured England were always under pressure. In the first innings, Stokes’ 83 had helped England reach 286 after a batting collapse.
In the second innings, Travis Head’s brilliant 170, alongside Carey’s 72, set an imposing target for England. Despite Crawley’s 85, England failed to build partnerships, ultimately falling short by 82 runs. Starc joined Cummins and Lyon with three wickets, exemplifying Australia’s depth in attack. The victory marked Australia’s fourth consecutive home Ashes series win, further cementing their dominance in the iconic rivalry.
Brief Scores: Australia 371 & 349 beat England 286 & 352 by 82 runs.