Australia vs England, 3rd Test, The Ashes 2025/26 – Adelaide Oval Review

Ashes Test #3 at Adelaide: Quick Recap

The Australia vs. England third Ashes Test of 2025/26 at Adelaide Oval was a nail-biter. Tensions were high with the series tied, and the crowd was ready for action. Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to get a big score on a pitch known for its speed. Adelaide Oval was the spot for a wild Test match.

Australia’s Turn at Bat – First Round

Australia’s first innings started slow, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald opening. Head didn’t play his best and only scored 10, while Weatherald got 18 runs before Jofra Archer got him out. Marnus Labuschagne then scored 19 before Archer struck again.

But the middle order turned things around. Usman Khawaja hit a steady 82 off 126 balls, keeping the score ticking and punishing bad shots. Cameron Green didn’t score, but Alex Carey smashed 106 off 143 balls, including 8 fours and a six, helping Australia get to a good position.

Josh Inglis chipped in with a quick 32, and captain Pat Cummins got 13. Mitchell Starc showed off his hitting skills with 54, and Nathan Lyon added a vital 9, helping Australia reach 371 all out in 91.2 overs.

England’s Bowling

Khawaja and Carey had a good partnership, adding 136 runs to fix the shaky start. Jofra Archer was England’s top bowler, taking five wickets in 20.2 overs. Brydon Carse got two wickets, and Josh Tongue and Will Jacks each got one at important moments.

England’s Batting Problems – First Round

England had trouble getting going in their first innings, trying to get the 371 total. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope got out early, leaving the score at 42/3. Ben Duckett scored 29, but couldn’t keep it going. Joe Root added 19, showing a bit of his skill.

Harry Brook hit an aggressive 45, including a six and two fours, keeping England somewhat close. Ben Stokes played a patient 45 not out from 151 balls, holding the innings together as wickets were falling. Jamie Smith and Will Jacks got 22 and 6, but England ended Day 2 at 213/8, behind Australia by 158 runs.

Aussie Bowlers Dominate

Australia’s bowling, with Mitchell Starc taking four wickets and Pat Cummins getting three, put constant pressure on England. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland each got two wickets, stopping England from building any partnerships. The bowling and smart fielding made it hard for England, forcing them to take risky shots. Australia stayed in control with very few extra runs given away.

Standout Moments

Alex Carey’s century, Khawaja’s steady innings, and Jofra Archer’s five wickets were the main stories. Ben Stokes and Harry Brook showed some fight for England, but they still had a big deficit going into the next day.

Pitch and What’s Next

The pitch at Adelaide Oval was consistent, with some bounce for the fast bowlers and help for the spinners later on. The weather was good, and the 56,000 fans added hype. DRS reviews were vital, adding to the excitement of the game.

The first two days set up a great Test, with Australia in charge, but England could still turn things around.