Australia secured the Ashes with a commanding 82-run victory over England in the third Test at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. This result gave the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.Jamie Smith’s attacking 60 and partnerships with Jacks and Carse briefly raised England’s hopes after starting Day 5 at 207 for 6. Mitchell Starc broke the resistance after lunch, with key catches in the deep helping Australia wrap up the innings.
With Australia securing a fourth consecutive Ashes series triumph at home, here’s some of the standout reaction: “It feels pretty awesome. It wasn’t easy today, but we got it done. It’s an excited changing room” said Australia captain Pat Cummins praising his side’s resolve after a tough finish.Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc felt England made Australia earn the victory, “They made us work for it. A bit of a flat wicket and they played pretty well but another Ashes win and it’s been a great atmosphere all week, all series.”“A little bit of nerves there with some really good batting by Jamie Smith and Will Jacks. We held firm as we have been all series” admitted Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne. England captain Ben Stokes was honest about the pain of defeat, “Everyone is hurting and quite emotional about it. It hurts, it sucks, but we ain’t going to stop.”The English team captain also acknowledged how Australia outplayed England in just 11 days of cricket.“Australia have been able to execute things on a much more consistent basis than us, with the ball, with the bat and in the field. They’ve been able to outdo us on a much higher level.” Australia’s Alex Carey, named player of the match, said “We know England are such a good cricket team and we’re going to be challenged right to the end today it was a real grind.” England head coach Brendon McCullum praised his players’ effort, “I think the boys were excellent today. They showed some great application. They bounced off each other and tried to take the game as deep as they could. We didn’t get there, but I thought it was a fine achievement.”“A moment Scott Boland will never forget. He goes down in history as the man who took the wicket to win the Ashes. That is a special moment for any player and any team.” Former England captain Alastair Cook commentating on TV as the final wicket fell.Ex-spinner Phil Tufnell said “It has been a thoroughly professional performance. Australia have out-thought England in many situations. You have got to take your hat off.” Pat Cummins cast doubt on injured spinner Nathan Lyon’s chances of featuring in the remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney and said “I doubt he’d be right.” Despite the setback, Stokes struck a defiant note, “We have got so much to play for, and we will be flying into these next two games.”
