Travis Head struck again at Adelaide Oval as Australia moved close to keeping the Ashes. He scored another century on Friday and put England under heavy pressure. Head made 142 not out by the end of day three. Australia reached 271 for 4 in their second innings. Their lead grew to 356 runs, which left England with a huge task.
Alex Carey also played a key role. He remained unbeaten on 52. Together, they pushed the match far beyond England’s control. England must win the Test to stay alive in the series. They lost the first two matches by eight wickets. A chase here looks unlikely. The highest successful run chase at Adelaide is only 316, set more than a century ago.
Head’s hundred came from 146 balls. It was his 11th Test century. He was dropped on 99 by Harry Brook, but he made England pay. He has now scored centuries in four straight Tests at Adelaide. He also scored big hundreds there against India and the West Indies in recent seasons.
Earlier, England were bowled out for 286 in their first innings. Ben Stokes led the fight with a tough 83. Australia had made 371 in their first innings. Australia lost an early wicket before lunch. Jake Weatherald fell lbw for one. Replays later showed the ball pitched outside leg stump.
After the break, Head took control. He hit boundaries all around the ground and killed any English hopes.
Marnus Labuschagne fell for 13 after edging Josh Tongue. Usman Khawaja then supported Head well. He had scored 82 in the first innings after coming in for the ill Steve Smith.
Khawaja made 40 in the second innings before he was caught behind off Will Jacks. Cameron Green followed soon after for seven.
Head reached his century with a four off Joe Root. He celebrated by removing his helmet and kissing the pitch. England had shown fight earlier in the day. Stokes and Jofra Archer added 106 runs for the ninth wicket. They resumed at 213 for 8.
Stokes battled cramps and heat but reached a slow half century. He was later bowled by Mitchell Starc with the new ball. Archer continued the fight and scored 51. It was his first Test fifty. He was the last man out.
Scott Boland took three wickets. Pat Cummins also claimed three. England had earlier lost quick wickets on Thursday as Australia’s bowlers stayed in control.
