Australia Clinches Ashes Series with Thrilling 82-Run Victory Over England

Australia Secures Ashes with Dominant Performance

In a gripping encounter in Adelaide, Australia triumphed over England by 82 runs, successfully chasing down a daunting target of 435 runs in the third Ashes Test. The match, held on December 21, showcased remarkable centuries from Alex Carey and Travis Head, alongside impressive bowling displays from Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, who collectively dismantled the English batting lineup, which was ultimately bowled out for 352 runs despite commendable efforts from Zak Crawley, Jamie Smith, and Will Jacks.

With this victory, Australia has not only retained the Ashes urn but also taken a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, extending England's winless streak in Australia since their last series victory in 2010/11.

Starting the second session at 309/7, England's Jacks (38*) and Carse (13*) aimed to build a partnership. They initially rotated the strike effectively, with Carse narrowly avoiding an lbw decision against Cummins.

Once settled, Carse began to attack, hitting a few boundaries, while Jacks contributed with a four that reduced the target to under 98 runs. However, Starc soon ended their promising 52-run partnership with a stunning catch from Marnus Labuschagne, dismissing Jacks for a valiant 47 off 137 balls.

Starc and Boland then wrapped up the innings, taking the last two wickets and sealing England's fate at 352 runs, resulting in an 82-run defeat.

Cummins (3/48), Starc (3/62), and Lyon (3/77) were the standout bowlers for Australia.

At the start of the final day, England was at 207/6, with Jacks (11*) and Smith (2*) at the crease. The duo played cautiously against Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green until Smith launched a slog sweep for six off Lyon, followed by another six against Green.

After a rain delay, Smith became more aggressive, hitting boundaries against part-timers Head and Labuschagne, bringing England's score to 250 in 77.5 overs. The pair formed a fifty-run partnership off 133 balls.

Smith continued to impress, hitting Cummins for two consecutive fours, reaching his first Ashes fifty in 80 balls, which included five fours and two sixes.

However, his aggressive approach led to his downfall as he attempted an aerial shot against Starc, resulting in a catch for Cummins and ending his innings at 60 off 83 balls.

England reached the 300-run mark in 86 overs, with Jacks and Carse fighting back and ending the session without losing further wickets.

Earlier, on day four, Australia resumed at 271/4, with Head (142*) and Carey (52*) responding to England's first innings total of 286. They had built a substantial lead of 356 runs.

Australia's bowlers were clinical in the first session, dismissing Head (170 off 219 balls) and Carey (72 off 128 balls) after they helped the team surpass the 300-run mark. The tail was quickly dismissed, and Australia was all out for 349, setting England a monumental target of 435 runs.

Josh Tongue (4/70) and Brydon Carse (3/80) were the leading bowlers for England, while Archer, Stokes, and Jacks each took a wicket.

During their chase, England faced early setbacks, losing Ben Duckett (4) and Ollie Pope (17) to fall to 31/2.

Joe Root (39 off 63 balls) and Harry Brook (30 off 56 balls) formed a promising 78-run partnership but failed to convert their starts into significant scores. Zak Crawley (85 off 151 balls) played a commendable innings but fell victim to a collapse that saw England slip from 177/3 to 194/6, as Lyon and Cummins tested their resolve.

Jacks and Smith ended the fourth day at 207/6.

In their second innings, Australia scored 349 runs, with Head (170) and Carey (72) forming a crucial 162-run partnership that left England with a record target.

England trailed by 85 runs at the end of their first innings. Despite promising starts from Duckett (29), Root (19), and Brook (45), they found themselves at 168/8 before a 106-run partnership between Stokes (83) and Archer (51) brought them back into contention.

Boland (3/45), Cummins (3/69), and Lyon (2/70) were the top bowlers for Australia in England's first innings.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat first, initially struggling at 94/4 due to effective bowling from Carse and Archer. Usman Khawaja (82) and Carey (106) then steadied the innings, with Carey achieving his maiden Ashes century.

Starc also contributed with a quickfire 54 off 75 balls, helping Australia to a total of 371 runs in their first innings.

Archer was the standout bowler for England with figures of 5/53, while Carse and Jacks each took two wickets.

Brief Scores: Australia: 371 and 349 (Travis Head 170, Alex Carey 72, Josh Tongue 4/70) and England: 286 and 352 (Zak Crawley 85, Jamie Smith 60, Pat Cummins 3/48).