England’s brief resistance on the third morning was eventually overwhelmed as Australia tightened their control of the third Ashes Test on Day 3, riding on a dominant unbeaten innings from Travis Head.
Resuming the day 158 runs behind, England found unlikely resistance through a 106-run partnership for the ninth wicket between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. With the second new ball still hard, the pair frustrated Australia for an extended period. Archer, showing composure well beyond his usual role, brought up his maiden Test half-century, while Stokes played the anchor with an innings of notable discipline. His 83 off 198 balls was built on patience and judgement, allowing Archer the freedom to play around him. The stand reduced the deficit to 85 runs and ensured England avoided a far more damaging first-innings position.
The breakthrough came with Archer’s dismissal, and England’s innings lost direction immediately thereafter. The remaining wickets fell quickly, and England were bowled out for 286, conceding Australia an 85-run first-innings lead.
Australia’s second innings began with an early setback when Jake Weatherald was given lbw despite appearing not out, with the left-hander opting not to review the decision. England pressed further when Marnus Labuschagne fell for 13, briefly opening a window to apply pressure.
That window, however, was shut decisively by Travis Head. Batting with authority and clarity, Head took control through the middle and evening sessions, consistently finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries. He paced his innings effectively, ensuring Australia maintained momentum without unnecessary risk. By stumps, Head was unbeaten on 142, having dominated England’s attack across both sessions.
Support came from Alex Carey, who continued his impressive match following his first-innings century. Carey remained 52 not out, providing stability and rotating the strike efficiently as Australia extended their advantage. Earlier, Usman Khawaja contributed 40, laying a steady platform before Head assumed control.
At the end of Day 3, Australia were 271 for 4 in their second innings, holding an imposing overall lead of 356 runs. England’s morning resistance through Stokes and Archer ensured the contest remained alive temporarily, but Australia’s control with the bat over the remainder of the day left them firmly on course heading into the fourth morning.
