Travis Head's Century Puts Australia Ahead in Ashes Third Test
Day Three Overview
The third day of the Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval began with high hopes for England, thanks to a strong century partnership between captain Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. However, it concluded with Australia taking the lead, bolstered by a remarkable century from local favorite Travis Head, alongside significant contributions from Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey.
Australia Takes Control
By the end of the day, England found themselves at 271/4, with Head (142*) and Carey (52*) not out, 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. Khawaja quickly scored two boundaries against Will Jacks but was dismissed shortly after, caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith for 40 runs off 51 balls.
Cameron Green, who was bought for 25.20 crores by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, fell for a mere seven runs, caught at slips by Harry Brook off a delivery from Josh Tongue, leaving Australia at 149/4.
Head and Carey's Partnership
Head then formed a crucial partnership with Alex Carey, who was dropped at 99 by Brook. Head reached his fourth consecutive Test century at home in 146 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes. The lead soon surpassed 300 runs as the duo amassed a 100-run partnership in 151 balls. Carey, who had scored a century in the first innings, reached his half-century in 84 balls, contributing to a lead that eventually exceeded 350 runs before stumps were called.
Second Session Highlights
At the conclusion of the second session, Australia stood at 119/2, with Head (68*) and Khawaja (27*) still at the crease. They began the session at 17/1, with Head (5*) and Marnus Labuschagne (4*) unbeaten.
Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer bowled tightly, putting pressure on Labuschagne, who eventually fell for just 13 runs after 45 balls, caught by Harry Brook. Australia was then at 53/2.
Head and Khawaja, both left-handers, struck three boundaries against Tongue and Jacks, easing the pressure. Head reached his fifty with a stylish pull shot, and Australia crossed the 100-run mark in 25.4 overs.
Morning Resistance from Stokes and Archer
After England was bowled out for 286 in response to Australia's first innings total of 371, Australia began their second innings at 17/1, with Travis Head (5*) and Marnus Labuschagne (4*) unbeaten.
England started day three at 213/8, with Stokes (45*) and Archer (30*) at the crease. Stokes showcased his skills with a beautiful cover drive and reached a commendable fifty off 159 balls, hitting four boundaries.
Following Stokes' milestone, he and Archer adopted a more aggressive approach, with Archer eventually reaching his maiden Test fifty in 97 balls. The partnership concluded at 103 runs when Stokes was dismissed for 83 runs, leaving England at 274 runs.
Early Breakthrough for England
In their second innings, Brydon Carse provided England with an early breakthrough by dismissing Jake Weatherald for just one run, leaving Australia at 8/1. Labuschagne and Head then stabilized the innings, ensuring no further wickets fell.
Match Summary
On day two, England ended at 213/8, with a notable partnership between Stokes and Archer. Despite contributions from Ben Duckett (29), Joe Root (19), Harry Brook (45), and Jamie Smith (23), they struggled to build substantial scores.
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first, facing early challenges before a 91-run partnership between Usman Khawaja (82) and Alex Carey (106) helped them reach a total of 371 runs. Archer was the standout bowler for England, taking 5 wickets for 53 runs.
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).