Travis Head's Stellar Performance Puts Australia in Command During Third Ashes Test

In a thrilling display during the third Ashes Test, Travis Head's outstanding half-century, along with Usman Khawaja's support, has placed Australia in a dominant position. With their lead exceeding 200 runs, the Australian team showcased resilience against England's bowling attack. As the match unfolds, the performances of both teams are set to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Discover how the match progressed and the key moments that defined this exciting day of cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 10:27 IST

Australia Takes Control in Third Ashes Test

Adelaide [Australia], December 19: A remarkable half-century from Travis Head, alongside his partnership with Usman Khawaja, has positioned Australia firmly in control, with their lead surpassing 200 runs by the conclusion of the second session on day three of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval.

As the second session wrapped up, Australia stood at 119/2, with Head not out on 68 and Khawaja on 27.

Beginning the second session at 17/1, Head (5*) and Marnus Labuschagne (4*) were at the crease.

Brydon Carse challenged Marnus with a fierce delivery, while he and Jofra Archer maintained a relentless bowling attack, putting pressure on the Australian batsmen. Marnus faced several close calls but managed to survive.

Head struck a few boundaries to relieve some pressure, but Marnus struggled to find his rhythm. Australia reached 50 runs in 14.4 overs.

Eventually, Josh Tongue dismissed Marnus, who was stifled by the English bowlers during his 45-ball innings, scoring only 13 runs. A spectacular low catch by Harry Brook sealed the wicket, leaving Australia at 53/2 in 16.3 overs.

Head and Khawaja, both left-handed batsmen, quickly added three boundaries against Tongue and Will Jacks in just ten deliveries, alleviating some of the pressure.

Head reached his half-century with a stylish pull shot through deep midwicket, achieving the milestone in 72 balls with five boundaries.

Australia crossed the 100-run mark in 25.4 overs, and the pair established a 50-run partnership in 58 balls, keeping the scoreboard moving.

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

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

England resumed day three at 213/8, with captain Stokes (45*) and Archer (30*) unbeaten.

Stokes began 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 showcasing the determination that was lacking from the top order.

With a single from Stokes, England reached 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 the century partnership to fruition 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, who scored 83 runs off 198 balls, including eight fours. England was 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 captain Cummins (3/69) were the standout bowlers for Australia.

Initially, Brydon Carse provided England with an early breakthrough, dismissing Jake Weatherald for just one run, leaving Australia at 8/1 in 1.3 overs. Weatherald was trapped lbw despite the ball pitching outside leg stump.

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 off 30 balls), Joe Root (19 off 31 balls), Harry Brook (45 off 63 balls), and Jamie Smith (23 off 26 balls), they struggled to capitalize, leaving England at 168/8 until Stokes and Archer's rescue act.

Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. After being reduced to 94/4 due to Archer's exceptional bowling, a 91-run partnership between Usman Khawaja (82 off 126 balls) and Alex Carey brought Australia back into contention. Carey eventually scored his first Ashes century, finishing with 106 off 143 balls. Starc also contributed with 54 runs off 75 balls as Australia amassed 371 runs.

Archer (5/53) was outstanding for England, while Brydon Carse and Tongue each took two wickets.

Brief Scores: Australia: 371 and 119/2: (Travis Head 68*, Usman Khawaja 27*, Brydon Carse 1/35) vs England: 286 (Ben Stokes 83, Jofra Archer 51, Scott Boland 3/45).