Australia Dominates Lunch on Day 3 of Final Ashes Test Against England

Australia's Strong Performance at Lunch

On January 6, Australia showcased an impressive batting display, scoring 115 runs for the loss of just one wicket during the morning session of Day 3 in the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This performance has placed them in a commanding position against England.

Travis Head, the Australian opener, continued his remarkable form, achieving his first score of over 150 in this Ashes series.

By the time lunch was called on Day 3, Australia had reached 281 runs for the loss of three wickets in 65 overs, still trailing England's first innings total of 384 by 103 runs. Head was unbeaten at 162 runs off 160 balls, hitting 24 fours and one six, while Steve Smith contributed 16 runs off 39 balls.

Starting the day at 166 for 2, Head and nightwatchman Michael Neser were at the crease, with Head having scored 91 runs off 87 balls.

Head reached his 12th Test century in just 105 balls during the 40th over, marking his third century in the current Ashes series and his first at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

He maintained his aggressive approach, striking three consecutive fours against Matthew Potts in the 44th over, helping Australia surpass the 200-run mark. Luck was on his side when Will Jacks dropped a straightforward catch in the 47th over.

Neser also contributed by scoring boundaries, but England finally broke through when Brydon Carse dismissed him for 24 runs off 90 balls, ending a 72-run partnership. After 60 overs, Australia stood at 253 for 3.

In the 62nd over, Head crossed the 150-run mark, becoming the third-fastest player to achieve this milestone in the Ashes, reaching it in 143 balls. Only Joe Darling and Adam Gilchrist have done it quicker.

With no further wickets lost, Australia went into lunch at 281 for 3, firmly in control of the match.

Earlier, England had been bowled out for 384 runs in 97.3 overs after choosing to bat first. Their openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, managed to put together a 35-run partnership before falling to the Australian bowlers. Harry Brook and Joe Root's partnership of 169 runs for the fourth wicket was a highlight for England, with Root scoring a remarkable 160 runs.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, and Scott Boland were the key wicket-takers, with Neser claiming four wickets.

Brief Scores: England: 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84; Michael Neser 4/60, Scott Boland 2/75) vs Australia: 281/3 (Travis Head 162*, Marnus Labuschagne 48, Ben Stokes 2/41).