Australia has decisively retained the Ashes after a commanding 82-run victory over England in the third Test at Adelaide Oval, completing a 3-0 series sweep. The home side's dominant display over 11 days left little doubt about their supremacy, as England fell short of an ambitious record chase despite spirited resistance.
The Adelaide showdown saw Australia post 371 in their first innings before England replied with 286. Australia's second innings added 349, setting England a target of 435 runs. England valiantly reached 352 before being bowled out, falling 82 runs short of what would have been one of the greatest run chases in Ashes history.
Alex Carey’s Standout Performance
Man of the Match Alex Carey was a standout figure, delivering a masterful performance with both bat and gloves. Adelaide-born Carey scored 106 in the first innings and followed it with 72 in the second, contributing significantly to Australia’s imposing totals. His six catches and a stumping further cemented his status as best afield.
“It’s been a lot of fun, this Adelaide crowd has been something special. Very special moment, having the family, to score a hundred and look up to the heavens was very special,” Carey said after the match.
Key Moments in England’s Fightback
England showed flashes of resilience during the final day. Early wickets fell with Will Tongue caught by Carey off Boland for 1, and Jofra Archer caught by Weatherald off Starc for 3, leaving England reeling at 349-9. Will Jacks’ resistance came to an end when he was caught by Labuschagne off Starc for 47. Jamie Smith, another bright spark, made 60 before being dismissed by Starc. Despite these efforts, England could not bridge the gap.
The English team, led by Ben Stokes, had a dream of snatching back the Ashes after years of defeat on Australian soil. “The dream is now over, which is incredibly disappointing. Everyone is hurting and quite emotional. It hurt… it sucks. But we ain’t going to stop. Australia have just been able to execute things more consistently than us. We’ve shown it in passages [and I] thought we were on for another heist when Jamie and Will were going. Losing the toss, bowling, keeping Australia to an under-par score and not being able to respond with the bat when we had an opportunity to put a big score on the board… We were confident we had a good chance of chasing it down, it was a very good wicket. Losing those three wickets at the backend of yesterday set us back. That stuff I wanted to see, I’ve seen that this week. Think we can take a lot from this game. We’ve got so much more to play for,” Stokes reflected.
Pat Cummins Leads the Bowling Charge
Australia’s fast-bowling spearhead, Pat Cummins, returned to frontline cricket after a five-month absence, producing a performance that crushed England’s second innings. Cummins claimed three vital wickets and expertly managed the bowling attack despite the loss of Nathan Lyon, who limped off with a hamstring injury during play.
“Feels pretty awesome. Been thinking about it for a long time. Wasn’t easy today but got it done. Exciting changing room. The last two months have been a bit of a grind, but all worth it for days like this. That’s when we are at our best, you can’t really rush things in Australia… it’s good old-fashioned grind, and love the toil from all the guys. Got a bit closer than we’d have liked. First of all, you need more than 11 players in an Ashes… three Tests in, we’ve shown that. It’s focusing on what we do well as bowlers, not getting carried away by the opposition. There’s always things that crop up… the boys crack on and say what’s next. Incredible, think [Marnus] and Steve might have a fight over second slip. Marnus manufactured a couple more for us. Packed crowds, all five days, to see two homegrown heroes was awesome,” Cummins said.
Australia’s Selection Dilemmas Ahead
Ricky Ponting highlighted some pressing questions for Australia moving forward. With Nathan Lyon’s hamstring injury potentially ruling him out of the Boxing Day Test, selectors will have to decide whether to replace him with Victorian Todd Murphy or Queenslander Matthew Kuhnemann, both of whom have Test experience.
The return of Steve Smith also creates a batting conundrum. Usman Khawaja’s strong contributions of 82 and 40 in his last-minute call-up have complicated matters, with Josh Inglis appearing most likely to be dropped. Cameron Green’s ongoing poor form may also see him replaced by allrounder Beau Webster.
“Nathan Lyon is back from the hospital on crutches and looks a long-shot to play in Melbourne on December 26. It’s another blow to Australia’s second-greatest wicket-taker after he missed much of the last Ashes with a calf tear. Lyon is 38 years and 567 wickets into a storied career but after his benching in Brisbane and this injury, will he have the willpower to carry on?” the Guardian noted.
England’s Struggles Under BazBall
The third Test also illustrated the challenges England face under the BazBall system implemented by coach Brendon McCullum. Observers have criticized the approach as entertaining but ill-suited to Test cricket. “Bazball is fun and games, but it is not Test cricket,” said commentator Darryl Accone, noting that England have been “appallingly led” and sent on a “suicide mission” due to their youthful gullibility.
With only one batter in reserve, young Jacob Bethell, England will face a harsh test in Melbourne. Bethell is yet to score a first-class century and will be facing formidable Australian bowling in one of the sport’s most challenging environments.
Ashes to Ashes
The 3-0 series result underscores Australia’s dominance and exposes the challenges England must address to be competitive in future Tests. Despite moments of resistance, including clawing back from a 228-run deficit, England were ultimately overpowered across all departments.
“They never come easy,” said Marnus Labuschagne. “It just felt like everything stuck.”
Australia now turns its attention to the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, where selection decisions, injuries, and form will shape the team’s approach as they look to consolidate their Ashes triumph.
