Fans erupted in jubilation at Adelaide Oval on Day 3 of the third Ashes Test between Australia and England, started December 17, 2025, as the hosts powered to a commanding 356-run lead by stumps. Travis Head‘s masterful unbeaten 142 anchored the second innings at 271/4 after Australia’s first-innings 371 and England’s reply of 286, turning the match decisively in their favour amid a run rate of 4.10. With 53,696 spectators roaring, the Baggy Greens dominated proceedings, leaving England facing a mountain to climb in the 2025-26 Ashes series.
Travis Head’s century propels Australia to driving seat on Day 3 of Adelaide Test
Head produced a commanding innings that completely shaped the course of the match, remaining unbeaten on a magnificent 142 from 196 balls. His knock, laced with fluent strokeplay, included 13 fours and two towering sixes, with the left-hander bringing up his century in the 49th over after Australia reached the 200-run mark.
The innings did not come without early adversity, as Australia lost Jake Weatherald cheaply and then Marnus Labuschagne soon after, leaving the side under pressure. Head, however, showed composure and intent, stitching together a crucial partnership with Usman Khawaja that steadied the innings and gradually shifted momentum back in Australia’s favour. Khawaja’s dismissal for 40 briefly opened the door for England, and Cameron Green’s short stay added to the uncertainty, but Head refused to let the initiative slip.
As the innings wore on, he grew in confidence, attacking the bowlers with authority and accelerating the scoring rate significantly in the final phase. His aggressive finish ensured Australia ended the day on a strong note, while his innings also served as a timely response to critics after a low score in the first innings, once again underlining his reputation for delivering decisive performances on big occasions.
Alex Carey’s blistering counterattack seals Australian dominance in 3rd Ashes Test
Alex Carey once again proved to be Australia’s calm backbone as he stitched together a decisive partnership with Travis Head to push the hosts firmly in control on Day 3. Carey played a measured yet positive knock, remaining unbeaten on 52, as he and Head added an unbroken 122 runs for the fifth wicket after tea. The duo ensured Australia sailed past the 250-run mark with ease, capitalising on a tiring England bowling attack that struggled for discipline and leaked crucial extras.
Carey’s innings came on the back of his superb first-innings century, which had earlier helped Australia recover from a shaky position, highlighting his impeccable sense of timing and match awareness. England’s bowlers, despite long spells, failed to apply sustained pressure as boundaries and singles kept the scoreboard moving.
Earlier in the day, Australia’s bowlers had set the tone by bowling England out for 286, with skipper Pat Cummins leading from the front alongside Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon. Ben Stokes fought hard with a gritty 83 and shared a late resistance with Jofra Archer, but the stand was not enough to halt Australia’s momentum. With runs flowing and England visibly worn down, the third day firmly tilted the match in Australia’s favour, leaving them well placed to press for victory.
Also READ: Ashes 2025–26: Fans erupt as Travis Head hits dazzling century on Day 3 of Adelaide Test
Here’s how fans reacted:
TRAVIS HEAD – THE MAN FOR AUSTRALIA. 😍
Tests ✅
ODIs ✅
T20Is ✅I think Head is the most impactful batter in International cricket in this Decade. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bnW5JNghjh
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 19, 2025
HUNDRED BY TRAVIS HEAD IN THE ASHES.
– A superb innings by Head, his fantabulous form continues. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Zc3yxaDdab
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 19, 2025
1️⃣1️⃣ Test hundred for Travis Head 💯#TravisHead #AUSvsENG #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/Xa3L8h4eW3
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 19, 2025
Adelaide’s very own delivers on the Ashes stage yet again! 🙌💯
[Travis Head | Play With Fire | AUS vs ENG] pic.twitter.com/HOwMYqNooq
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 19, 2025
Half a decade has passed and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Travis Head has been the best men’s cricketer so far. pic.twitter.com/40hNax6jna
— Saksham Agarwal (@Saksham319) December 19, 2025
Surprised to see that Alex Carey is the first Australian keeper to score a 100 and a 50 in a men’s Test match.#Ashes #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/80MFgNe2sD
— Daniel Viles (sport) (@WombatCatcher) December 19, 2025
𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟔 🔥
122 — Travis Head & Alex Carey*STUMPS on Day 3:
Australia finish at 271/4, leading by a massive 356 runs.
Dominant. Ruthless. Unstoppable. 🇦🇺🔥#Ashes2025 #AUSvsENG #TravisHead #AlexCarey pic.twitter.com/i4pAN7dT0k— Mr. Cricket UAE (@mrcricketuae) December 19, 2025
Well Played!! Travis Head 142* & Alex Carey 52*. The hometown boys are shining in Adelaide. 😍🇦🇺👏🏻 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/aB36ah98n5
— Red Devils (@OldTraffordMen) December 19, 2025
STUMPS – DAY 3: Australia in total control! 🏏🇦🇺
AUS: 371 & 271/4 (66 overs)
ENG: 286
Lead: 356 runs 📈
Travis Head (142*) and Alex Carey (52*) have put on a masterclass. England’s Ashes hopes are fading faster than the Adelaide sunset. 📉🌅#Ashes2025 #AUSvENG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/rZRZtbw24t
— Arun R Arya (@arunarya6396) December 19, 2025
Travis Head (142*) and Alex Carey (52*) have put Australia in a dominant position at the end of Day 3 at 271/4 with a lead of 356
England need a miracle https://t.co/hYHA1RAD4S
— Mike (@MIKE_CAVS_UK) December 19, 2025
Alex Carey in the Adelaide Test:
– Hundred in the 1st innings.
– Fifty in the 2nd innings.Alex Carey is having a memorable Test match on his home ground, what a year he’s having. 👏#AlexCarey #AUSvENG #Ashes #ashes25 #TheAshes pic.twitter.com/PRZB5NOOZi
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) December 19, 2025
Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc castles Ben Stokes with absolute jaffa on Day 3 of Adelaide Test
