Travis Head Shines as Australia Takes Control in Ashes Test Against England

Australia Dominates Day Three of the Ashes Test

Adelaide [Australia], December 19: The third day of the Ashes Test unfolded with high expectations for England, thanks to a remarkable century partnership between captain Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. However, it concluded with Australia firmly in charge, led by a stellar century from local favorite Travis Head, who was well-supported by Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey at the Adelaide Oval.

By the end of the day, England found themselves at 271/4, with Head remaining unbeaten on 142 and Carey on 52, giving Australia a commanding lead of 356 runs.

Australia commenced the final session at 119/2, with Head (68*) and Khawaja (27*) at the crease, extending their lead to 204 runs.

Khawaja kicked off the session with two consecutive boundaries against Will Jacks, showcasing his signature sweeps through deep backward square leg.

However, his innings was cut short when he edged a delivery to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, departing for 40 runs off 51 balls, leaving Australia at 139 for three.

Cameron Green, who was acquired for 25.20 crores by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, struggled again, falling for just seven runs after chasing a delivery from Josh Tongue, resulting in a catch to Harry Brook at slips. Australia was now 149/4.

Head then formed a crucial partnership with Alex Carey, who was dropped on 99 by Brook near the gully. Head reached his fourth consecutive Test century at home in just 146 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes.

The lead quickly surpassed 300 runs as Head and Carey continued to score freely, bringing up their 100-run partnership in 151 balls.

Carey, who had scored a century in the first innings, reached his half-century in 84 balls, contributing four boundaries as the lead extended beyond 350 runs before stumps were called.

At the conclusion of the second session, Australia stood at 119/2, with Head (68*) and Khawaja (27*) still at the crease.

Australia began the second session at 17/1, with Head (5*) and Marnus Labuschagne (4*) unbeaten.

Brydon Carse posed a challenge to Marnus with a fiery delivery, while he and Jofra Archer maintained pressure on the Australian batsmen, forcing Marnus into a defensive stance.

Head managed to score a few boundaries to relieve some pressure, but Marnus struggled, and Australia reached 50 runs in 14.4 overs.

Eventually, it was Josh Tongue who dismissed Marnus, who had a tough time against the English bowlers, scoring just 13 runs off 45 balls. Harry Brook's excellent catch at slips sealed the deal, leaving Australia at 53/2.

Head and Khawaja, both left-handed batsmen, quickly added three boundaries against Tongue and Jacks, alleviating some pressure.

Head brought up his fifty with a stylish pull shot through deep midwicket in 72 balls, hitting five boundaries.

Australia reached the 100-run mark in 25.4 overs, and the duo's 50-run partnership came in just 58 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

A spectacular six over deep backward square leg helped Australia extend their lead beyond 200 runs.

After England was bowled out for 286 in response to Australia's first innings total of 371, Australia ended the session at 17/1, with Travis Head (5*) and Marnus Labuschagne (4*) unbeaten.

England began day three at 213/8, with skipper Stokes (45*) and Archer (30*) at the crease.

Stokes opened with a stunning cover drive in the first over and eventually reached a commendable fifty off 159 balls, including four boundaries.

Following Stokes' milestone, he and Archer adopted a more aggressive approach, hitting a few boundaries against Nathan Lyon, with Archer displaying the resilience that was missing from the top order.

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

In the 82nd over, Stokes continued to impress, hitting two consecutive boundaries against Australian captain Pat Cummins, bringing up the century partnership in 164 balls.

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

The partnership concluded at 103 runs when Mitchell Starc bowled Stokes for 83 runs off 198 balls, including eight fours. England was now nine down for 274 runs.

With the lead finally under 100, Archer and Josh Tongue continued until Scott Boland dismissed Archer for a 105-ball 51. 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 provided the breakthrough they needed, dismissing Jake Weatherald for just one run, leaving Australia at 8/1.

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

Earlier, England concluded day two at 213/8, thanks to a 45-run partnership between Stokes and Archer. Despite contributions from Ben Duckett (29), Joe Root (19), Harry Brook (45), and Jamie Smith (23), they failed to capitalize, leaving England at 168/8 until the Stokes-Archer partnership rescued them.

Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. After being reduced to 94/4 due to exceptional bowling from Archer, a 91-run partnership between Usman Khawaja (82) and Alex Carey (106) helped Australia recover. Starc also contributed with 54 runs, leading Australia to a total of 371.

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

Brief Scores: Australia: 371 and 271/4 (Travis Head 142*, Alex Carey 52*, Josh Tongue 2/59) vs England: 286 (Ben Stokes 83, Jofra Archer 51, Scott Boland 3/45).