Australia retained the Ashes in emphatic fashion on Sunday, sealing an unassailable 3–0 series lead with an 82-run victory over England in the third Test at Adelaide Oval.
Mitchell Starc struck three decisive blows on the fifth day as England’s spirited chase of a world-record 435 eventually ran out of steam. The tourists were bowled out for 352 midway through the afternoon session, Scott Boland taking the final wicket of Josh Tongue before tea.
England’s resistance falls short
Resuming the day still requiring 228 runs, England showed commendable resolve in the face of a daunting target. Australia initially rested their frontline quicks, opening the bowling with Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green as Will Jacks and Jamie Smith looked to build momentum.
England’s hopes were briefly disrupted when Jacks turned his ankle while pushing off for a run, hobbling for several overs in a moment that reflected the broader struggles of their campaign. Rain then halted play for around 40 minutes, but the interruption did little to shift the balance once play resumed.
Smith counter-attacked impressively after the second new ball was taken, striking Pat Cummins and Starc for successive boundaries. However, with the deficit reduced to 150, he overreached against Starc and was caught by Cummins at mid-on for a well-made 60.
Starc turns the match decisively
Jacks continued to battle alongside Brydon Carse, and the pair carried England past lunch with renewed belief. Carse overturned an lbw decision on review and even struck a six off the part-time spin of Travis Head, briefly unsettling the home crowd.
But Starc returned to extinguish England’s hopes. With England needing 98 runs, Jacks edged a seaming delivery and Marnus Labuschagne completed a superb one-handed catch in the slips, his second outstanding grab of the match. That dismissal proved the turning point.
Jofra Archer soon followed, holing out in the deep, before Boland wrapped up the victory as Tongue edged to Labuschagne, sparking celebrations among the Australian players and supporters.
Experience tells for Australia
Starc later reflected on Australia’s experienced core, which had faced scrutiny ahead of the series.
“We do laugh at some of the comments about how old we are,” said the 35-year-old. “Experience helps you get through the highs and lows, and that’s played a big part.”
England captain Ben Stokes admitted disappointment after another failed Ashes campaign in Australia.
“We came here with a goal and we haven’t achieved it,” Stokes said. “It hurts. We showed some good stuff in this game, but Australia outperformed us at a much higher level.”
Head and Carey set up the win
Australia’s victory was built on commanding batting performances earlier in the match. Travis Head was instrumental with a superb 170, his fourth consecutive Test century at Adelaide Oval, earning praise as the standout performer at the venue.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey was named player of the match after scoring a century in the first innings and a half-century in the second.
“If he wasn’t before, he’s the king of Adelaide,” Starc said of Head. “I don’t know how he does it, but it’s brilliant to watch.”
