Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26 was a showdown that cricket fans will remember for years. In the heart of Adelaide Oval, under the scorching Australian summer sun, the home team delivered a masterclass in resilience and skill. They secured an 82-run victory on the final day, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. This win not only retained the Ashes urn for Australia but also marked their fourth straight home series triumph against England.
The match, played from December 17 to 21, 2025, had everything: stunning centuries, fiery bowling spells, dramatic catches, and even a late injury scare. England’s lower order put up a brave fight, but Australia’s stars like Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc shone brightest. If you’re a cricket enthusiast wondering how Australia pulled off this epic retention, stick around. We’ll break it all down in simple terms, with tables for stats and highlights to keep things engaging.
Match Overview: Setting the Stage at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide Oval, with its capacity of over 53,000, hosted a record-breaking crowd of 223,638 across five days. The pitch started flat but offered something for bowlers as the game wore on. Australia won the toss and chose to bat, a decision that paid off handsomely.
The series context? Australia entered the third Test leading 2-0 after dominant wins in Perth and Brisbane. England, under Ben Stokes’ aggressive “Bazball” style, needed a miracle to stay alive. But as history shows, Ashes battles in Australia are tough for the visitors—England hadn’t won a Test Down Under since 2011.
Key details at a glance:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | The Ashes 2025-26 |
| Match | 3rd Test |
| Dates | December 17-21, 2025 |
| Venue | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| Toss | Australia won, elected to bat |
| Result | Australia won by 82 runs |
| Player of the Match | Alex Carey (106 & 72, plus 6 dismissals) |
| Umpires | Ahsan Raza, Nitin Menon |
| Third Umpire | Chris Gaffaney |
| Referee | Jeff Crowe |
This victory propelled Australia to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings with a perfect 100% points percentage. England, meanwhile, slipped further, highlighting their struggles in away conditions.
Day-by-Day Recap: The Drama Unfolds
Let’s relive the action day by day. Each session brought twists, from rain delays to one-handed wonders in the field.
Day 1: Australia’s Solid Start with Carey’s Heroics
Australia started steadily but lost early wickets. Travis Head fell for 10, and Jake Weatherald for 18, both to England’s pace attack. Marnus Labuschagne made 19, but it was Usman Khawaja’s return that steadied the ship. Recalled late, he scored a gritty 82 off 126 balls.
The real star? Alex Carey. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 106 off 143 balls, including 8 fours and a six. It was an emotional knock—he looked to the heavens after his century, dedicating it to his late father. Mitchell Starc added 54 lower down, helping Australia reach 326/8 by stumps.
England’s Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers with 5-53, his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests. Brydon Carse chipped in with 2-89.
Key moments: A 91-run stand between Khawaja and Carey turned the tide. Rain didn’t interrupt much, but the crowd of 56,298—the highest for Day 1—roared for every boundary.
Day 2: England’s Fightback and Australia’s Bowling Masterclass
Australia added 45 more runs to finish at 371 all out. Nathan Lyon was lbw for 9, but Scott Boland remained not out on 14.
England’s reply started shakily. Zak Crawley made 9, Ben Duckett 29, and Ollie Pope just 3. Joe Root scored 19, but Harry Brook’s 45 offered hope. Then came the collapse: From 127/5, they slumped to 168/8.
Ben Stokes, the captain, fought back with 83 off 198 balls—a patient knock in Bazball terms. Jofra Archer surprised everyone with 51, his first Test fifty. Their 106-run ninth-wicket stand lifted England to 286 all out.
Australia’s bowlers dominated: Scott Boland 3-45, Pat Cummins 3-69, Nathan Lyon 2-70. Starc took 1-61.
By stumps, England were 213/8, trailing by 158. The day saw debates over DRS decisions, including a Snicko controversy that left players fuming.
Day 3: Head’s Masterclass Puts Australia in Control
Australia’s second innings began with Weatherald lbw for 1. Labuschagne made 13, but Travis Head exploded. He scored 170 off 219 balls, with 16 fours and 2 sixes—his fourth straight century at Adelaide Oval.
Khawaja added 40, Cameron Green 7, but Head and Carey’s 162-run partnership (Carey 72) was game-changing. Australia reached 271/4 by stumps, leading by 356.
England’s Josh Tongue took 4-70, but their fielding errors—like drops of Head on 99 and Khawaja on 5—cost them dearly.
Head kissed the pitch after his ton, delighting the 53,696 fans. It was a day of dominance for the hosts.
Day 4: Lyon’s Late Burst Leaves England Reeling
Australia declared at 349 all out, setting England 435 to win. Head’s 170 was the highlight, with Tongue claiming four wickets.
England’s chase: Crawley smashed 85, Root 45, but wickets tumbled. Duckett 0, Pope 17, Brook 22, Stokes 18. Nathan Lyon’s 3-77 late in the day was crucial, including a stunning one-handed catch by Labuschagne.
By stumps, England were 207/6, needing 228 more. Jamie Smith (2) and Will Jacks (11) were at the crease. Attendance: 41,289.
Day 5: England’s Brave Chase Falls Short
Starting at 207/6, England showed grit. Smith and Jacks added 90 runs—Smith 60 (with 2 sixes), Jacks 47. A rain delay added tension, but after resumption, Lyon left with a hamstring injury.
Australia took the new ball. Starc struck, dismissing Smith. Jacks fell to a Labuschagne stunner. Carse’s 39* was valiant, with a 52-run stand, but Starc (3-62) and Cummins (3-48) wrapped it up. Boland took the last wicket—Tongue caught for 2.
England all out for 352. Australia won by 82 runs. Crowd: 20,643.
Lyon’s injury is a worry for the series, but Australia’s depth shone through.
Key Performances: Stars Who Shaped the Match
This Test saw individual brilliance on both sides. Let’s spotlight the standouts.
Batting Heroes
Travis Head was unstoppable. His 170 in the second innings set up the win. It’s his fourth ton at Adelaide, joining legends like Don Bradman.
Alex Carey earned Player of the Match. His 106 in the first and 72 in the second, plus sharp keeping (6 catches), were pivotal.
For England, Zak Crawley’s 85 in the chase was classy. Jamie Smith’s 60 showed promise, while Ben Stokes’ 83 in the first innings kept them in the game.
Bowling Standouts
Mitchell Starc’s 3-62 on Day 5, despite a flat pitch, was clutch. He has 51 wickets in 2025 Tests at an average of 17.15—the best strike rate for 50+ wickets in a year.
Pat Cummins led with 3-48 in the fourth innings. Nathan Lyon, before injury, took 3-77, reaching 68 wickets at Adelaide—joint-second for Australia.
Jofra Archer’s 5-53 was England’s highlight, proving his pace threat.
Fielding Gems
Marnus Labuschagne’s catches were match-winners. Two one-handed screamers, including Jacks’, boosted Australia’s 85.45% catch efficiency vs England’s 76.7%.
Full Scorecards: Numbers Tell the Story
Here are the detailed scorecards in tables for easy reading.
Australia 1st Innings: 371/10 (91.2 overs)
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Head | 10 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 35.71 |
| Jake Weatherald | 18 | 27 | 4 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 19 | 40 | 2 | 0 | 47.50 |
| Usman Khawaja | 82 | 126 | 10 | 0 | 65.08 |
| Cameron Green | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Alex Carey (wk) | 106 | 143 | 8 | 1 | 74.13 |
| Josh Inglis | 32 | 39 | 4 | 0 | 82.05 |
| Pat Cummins (c) | 13 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 68.42 |
| Mitchell Starc | 54 | 75 | 9 | 0 | 72.00 |
| Nathan Lyon | 9 | 35 | 1 | 0 | 25.71 |
| Scott Boland | 14* | 21 | 3 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Extras | 14 (lb 7, nb 7) | – | – | – | – |
Bowling: Archer 5-53, Carse 2-89, Jacks 2-105, Tongue 1-64, Stokes 0-53.
Fall of Wickets: 33-1, 33-2, 94-3, 94-4, 185-5, 244-6, 271-7, 321-8, 348-9, 371-10.
England 1st Innings: 286/10 (87.2 overs)
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zak Crawley | 9 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 47.37 |
| Ben Duckett | 29 | 30 | 5 | 0 | 96.67 |
| Ollie Pope | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 30.00 |
| Joe Root | 19 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 61.29 |
| Harry Brook | 45 | 63 | 2 | 1 | 71.43 |
| Ben Stokes (c) | 83 | 198 | 8 | 0 | 41.92 |
| Jamie Smith (wk) | 22 | 26 | 3 | 1 | 84.62 |
| Will Jacks | 6 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 20.69 |
| Brydon Carse | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Jofra Archer | 51 | 105 | 5 | 1 | 48.57 |
| Josh Tongue | 7* | 12 | 0 | 0 | 58.33 |
| Extras | 12 (b 3, lb 5, nb 4) | – | – | – | – |
Bowling: Boland 3-45, Cummins 3-69, Lyon 2-70, Starc 1-61, Green 1-33.
Fall of Wickets: 37-1, 41-2, 42-3, 71-4, 127-5, 159-6, 168-7, 168-8, 274-9, 286-10.
Australia 2nd Innings: 349/10 (84.4 overs)
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Head | 170 | 219 | 16 | 2 | 77.63 |
| Jake Weatherald | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10.00 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 13 | 45 | 1 | 0 | 28.89 |
| Usman Khawaja | 40 | 51 | 4 | 0 | 78.43 |
| Cameron Green | 7 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Alex Carey (wk) | 72 | 128 | 6 | 0 | 56.25 |
| Josh Inglis | 10 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Pat Cummins (c) | 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Mitchell Starc | 7 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 77.78 |
| Nathan Lyon | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 85.71 |
| Scott Boland | 5* | 6 | 1 | 0 | 83.33 |
| Extras | 14 (b 4, lb 5, nb 5) | – | – | – | – |
Bowling: Tongue 4-70, Carse 2-80, Jacks 1-60, Stokes 1-50, Archer 1-55.
Fall of Wickets: 12-1, 53-2, 119-3, 130-4, 292-5, 315-6, 325-7, 335-8, 343-9, 349-10.
England 2nd Innings: 352/10 (102.5 overs)
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zak Crawley | 85 | 150 | 9 | 0 | 56.67 |
| Ben Duckett | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Ollie Pope | 17 | 35 | 2 | 0 | 48.57 |
| Joe Root | 45 | 80 | 4 | 0 | 56.25 |
| Harry Brook | 22 | 48 | 3 | 0 | 45.83 |
| Ben Stokes (c) | 18 | 42 | 2 | 0 | 42.86 |
| Jamie Smith (wk) | 60 | 95 | 5 | 2 | 63.16 |
| Will Jacks | 47 | 115 | 3 | 0 | 40.87 |
| Brydon Carse | 39* | 60 | 4 | 1 | 65.00 |
| Jofra Archer | 5 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Josh Tongue | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 |
| Extras | 14 (b 4, lb 6, nb 4) | – | – | – | – |
Bowling: Cummins 3-48, Starc 3-62, Lyon 3-77, Boland 1-50.
Fall of Wickets: 4-1, 49-2, 153-3, 175-4, 195-5, 207-6, 297-7, 349-8, 350-9, 352-10.
Highlights and Turning Points: Moments That Defined the Test
What made this match unforgettable? Let’s list the top highlights.
- Head’s Century Kiss: Travis Head’s 170 included a kiss to the Adelaide pitch after his ton. It symbolized his love for the venue, where he averages over 100 in Tests.
- Carey’s Emotional Ton: Alex Carey’s first-innings 106 was tear-jerking. He pointed skyward, honoring his father. It was only the second time a keeper scored a ton and took seven dismissals in an Ashes Test.
- Labuschagne’s Catches: Two one-handers, including a stunner off Jacks. They shifted momentum on Day 5.
- Lyon’s Injury: The spinner’s hamstring pull on Day 5 forced Australia to adapt. Starc stepped up, taking three of the last four wickets.
- England’s Lower-Order Grit: Smith, Jacks, and Carse reduced the target below 100. It was England’s highest fourth-innings total in Australia since 2017.
- Drops That Cost England: Khawaja dropped on 5 (went on to 82), Head on 99 (added 71 more). These 153 extra runs matched the winning margin almost exactly.
From online sources like cricket.com.au, videos show Head’s pull shots and Starc’s swing bowling as viral moments. Fox Sports highlighted the “no Christmas miracle” for England, echoing the festive timing.
Post-Match Reactions: Words from the Warriors
The emotions ran high after the win.
Pat Cummins: “Feels pretty awesome. We’ve been thinking about this series for a long time. It wasn’t easy today, but we got it done. Our adaptability is key—nothing goes perfectly, but we crack on.”
Ben Stokes: “The dream is over, which is disappointing. We’ve got two more games, and we’ll leave everything out there. Australia executed better in bat, ball, and field.”
Alex Carey (POTM): “Special to contribute here in Adelaide. Travis Head is one of the best—four tons at this venue. The crowd was amazing.”
Travis Head: “King of Adelaide? It’s been good to me. Batting all day is new, but setting up the game felt great.”
Mitchell Starc: “Feels bloody good. We worked hard on a flat wicket. Experience counts in this group.”
From BBC and Fox Sports reports, fans praised Australia’s ruthlessness, while English media lamented dropped catches and inconsistency.
In-Depth Analysis: Why Australia Triumphed and England’s Lessons
Australia’s win wasn’t luck— it was strategy and depth.
Their batting recovered from 94/4 in the first innings to 371, thanks to lower-order contributions. In the second, Head’s aggression set a daunting target.
Bowling? Balanced attack. Starc’s swing, Cummins’ bounce, Lyon’s spin (until injury), and Boland’s accuracy took 20 wickets on a docile pitch.
Fielding was the difference: 47/55 catches vs England’s 33/43.
For England, Bazball showed flashes but lacked consistency. They batted 190.1 overs—the most in the era—but at a slow 3.35 run rate. Dropped catches (e.g., Head, Khawaja) cost them series hopes.
Historical context: Australia’s last four home Ashes: 5-0 (2013/14), 4-0 (2017/18), 4-0 (2021/22), now 3-0 with two to play. Starc’s 2025 stats (51 wickets) break records, bettering Waqar Younis’ strike rate.
WTC impact: Australia at 72 points (100%), England at 26 (27.08%). England deducted 2 points for slow over-rate earlier.
What next? Australia eyes a whitewash; England seeks pride. Lyon’s injury might bring Todd Murphy in.
Stats and Records: Breaking Down the Numbers
Australia vs England 3rd Test This Test shattered records. Here’s a table of key stats.
| Statistic | Details | Record/Note |
|---|---|---|
| England’s 4th Innings | 352 | Highest in Australia since MCG 2017/18 draw |
| Overs Batted by England | 190.1 | Most in Bazball era (since 2022) |
| Maidens Faced by England | 39 | Most since Stokes-McCullum took over |
| Run Rate (England) | 3.35 | Third-lowest in Bazball (overall 4.5) |
| Australia’s Home Ashes | 3-0 lead | 4th straight series win (2013 onward) |
| Starc’s 2025 Wickets | 51 (avg 17.15, SR 28.7) | Best SR for 50+ wickets in a year |
| Starc vs England | Dismissed 12/13 players | Only Tongue escaped |
| Lyon’s Adelaide Wickets | 68 | Joint-2nd for Australia (behind Lillee 82) |
| Catch Efficiency | Australia 85.45%, England 76.7% | Decisive gap |
| Carey’s Achievement | 100 & 7 dismissals | Second WK in Ashes (after Prior 2010/11) |
| 4th Innings Partnerships | Four 50+ stands | 6th in Ashes history (4th for England) |
From espncricinfo.com and cricket.com.au, these stats underline Australia’s dominance. England hit boundaries every 11.5 balls in 2025 Tests—fastest ever—but couldn’t sustain.
Quick Hits for Australia vs England 3rd Test Cricket Fans
Got questions? Here are common ones.
When did Australia retain the Ashes in 2025-26?
On December 21, 2025, after winning the 3rd Test by 82 runs, taking a 3-0 lead.
What was the final score in Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26?
Australia 371 & 349 beat England 286 & 352 by 82 runs.
Who was Player of the Match?
Alex Carey, for his all-round performance.
How did Nathan Lyon’s injury affect the game?
He left on Day 5 with a hamstring issue, but Starc and Cummins sealed the win.
What’s next in the series?
The 4th Test at MCG, December 26-30, 2025.
Conclusion: Ashes Retained, Legacy Cemented
Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26 was a testament to Test cricket’s thrill. Australia’s 82-run victory wasn’t just a win—it was a statement of dominance, retaining the urn in 11 days. While England showed heart, especially in the chase, Australia’s stars like Head, Carey, and Starc proved unbeatable at home.
As a cricket fan, what did you think of the match? Share in the comments below—we love hearing from you on IPL Star! For more updates, check our Perth Test recap or cricket.com.au Ashes coverage. Don’t forget to subscribe for the Boxing Day Test preview. Let’s keep the cricket conversation going!
FAQs: Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26
1. When did Australia retain the Ashes in the 2025-26 series?
Australia retained the Ashes on December 21, 2025, after winning the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26 by 82 runs at Adelaide Oval. This victory gave them an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, marking their fourth consecutive home Ashes triumph.
2. What was the final score in the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26?
Australia scored 371 & 349, while England made 286 & 352. Australia won by 82 runs in the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26, sealing the series retention on Day 5 at Adelaide Oval.
3. Who won the Player of the Match in the 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26?
Alex Carey earned Player of the Match honors in the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 106 in the first innings and 72 in the second, plus took 6 catches, proving decisive in Australia’s 82-run win.
4. How did Travis Head perform in the Adelaide Oval Test?
Travis Head smashed a brilliant 170 in Australia’s second innings during the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26. It was his fourth consecutive century at Adelaide Oval, setting up the match-winning total and helping Australia retain the Ashes.
5. What role did Mitchell Starc play in the Ashes 3rd Test victory?
Mitchell Starc took 3 wickets in the fourth innings, including key breakthroughs after Nathan Lyon’s injury. His pace and swing were crucial in dismissing England’s lower order, contributing to the 82-run win in the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26.
6. How did England perform in the fourth innings chase?
England reached 352 in their chase of 435 in the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26. Jamie Smith (60), Will Jacks (47), and Brydon Carse (39*) showed fight, but Australia’s bowlers, led by Starc and Cummins, restricted them to an 82-run defeat.
7. What was the impact of Nathan Lyon’s injury in the Adelaide Test?
Nathan Lyon suffered a hamstring injury on Day 5 during the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26. Despite leaving the field, Australia adapted seamlessly, with Mitchell Starc stepping up to seal the victory and help retain the Ashes.
8. What are the key stats from the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26?
Australia’s fielding was outstanding (85.45% catch efficiency), Alex Carey became the second wicketkeeper with a century and 7 dismissals in an Ashes Test, and Mitchell Starc recorded the best strike rate for 50+ wickets in a calendar year. England batted 190.1 overs, the most in the Bazball era.
9. What did Ben Stokes say after the Ashes 3-0 lead?
Ben Stokes expressed disappointment, saying the dream was over but praised his team’s fight in the Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26. He noted Australia executed better and vowed to give everything in the remaining two Tests.
10. What’s next after Australia retained the Ashes in 2025-26?
With the Ashes retained at 3-0, the series continues with the 4th Test at the MCG from December 26-30, 2025. Australia aims for a whitewash, while England looks to salvage pride in the Ashes 2025-26.
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