Ben Stokes Shines with 83 as England Battles Back in Third Ashes Test

In a thrilling display at the Adelaide Oval, Ben Stokes led England with a remarkable 83, forming a vital partnership with Jofra Archer. This performance came after England's struggle, as they aimed to recover from a challenging position against Australia in the third Ashes Test. With Stokes and Archer's efforts, England managed to stabilize their innings, setting the stage for an exciting contest. As the match unfolds, cricket fans are eager to see if England can capitalize on this momentum and challenge Australia's lead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 08:05 IST

Stokes and Archer Lead England's Fightback

Adelaide [Australia], December 19: England's captain Ben Stokes delivered a stellar performance with a score of 83, forming a crucial century partnership with Jofra Archer. This effort helped stabilize the situation for England during the first session of day one in the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval.

After England was dismissed for 286 runs in reply to Australia's first innings total of 371, the hosts concluded the session at 17/1, with Travis Head (5*) and Marnus Labuschagne (4*) remaining at the crease.

Beginning day three at 213/8, Stokes (45*) and Archer (30*) were still batting strong.

Stokes opened the day with an exquisite cover drive in the first over and eventually reached his fifty after 159 balls, hitting four boundaries along the way.

Once Stokes achieved his milestone, he and Archer adopted a more aggressive approach, targeting Nathan Lyon, with Archer showcasing the determination that was lacking from the top order.

With a single from Stokes, England crossed the 250-run threshold in 77.2 overs.

In the 82nd over, Stokes continued to impress, hitting two consecutive boundaries off Australian captain Pat Cummins, which brought their century partnership to fruition in 164 balls.

Archer's perseverance paid off as he reached his first Test fifty in 97 balls, including five fours and a six.

The partnership concluded at 103 runs when Mitchell Starc bowled Stokes, who was dismissed for 83 off 198 balls, featuring eight fours. England found themselves at nine wickets down for 274 runs in 84.1 overs.

With the lead now under 100, Archer and Josh Tongue continued until Scott Boland dismissed Archer for a solid 51 off 105 balls. England was all out for 286, trailing by 85 runs.

Boland (3/45) and Cummins (3/69) were the standout bowlers for Australia.

England's Brydon Carse made an early impact by removing Jake Weatherald for just one run, leaving Australia at 8/1 in 1.3 overs. Weatherald was given out lbw despite the ball pitching outside leg stump.

A boundary from Labuschagne pushed Australia's lead above 100, as he and Head ensured no further wickets fell for England.

Previously, England ended day two at 213/8, thanks to a 45-run partnership between Stokes and Archer. Despite decent starts from Ben Duckett (29 off 30 balls), Joe Root (19 off 31 balls), Harry Brook (45 off 63 balls), and Jamie Smith (23 off 26 balls), they failed to capitalize, leaving England at a precarious 168/8 until Stokes and Archer's rescue effort.

Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. After a shaky start at 94/4 due to Archer's exceptional bowling, a 91-run partnership between Usman Khawaja (82 off 126 balls) and Alex Carey steadied the innings. Carey eventually scored his first Ashes century, finishing with 106 off 143 balls, including eight fours and a six. Starc also contributed with 54 runs off 75 balls as Australia amassed 371 runs.

Archer was outstanding for England, taking 5 wickets for 53 runs, while Brydon Carse and Tongue each claimed two wickets.

Brief Scores: Australia: 371 and 17/1 vs England: 286 (Ben Stokes 83, Jofra Archer 51, Scott Boland 3/45).