Australia extended their dominance in the fifth and final Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Day 3, powered by stunning centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith. Hosts Australia ended the day at 518 for 7, holding a first-innings lead of 134 runs over England after both batters delivered batting masterclasses in difficult conditions.
Match Situation at Stumps — Australia on Top
The third day of what has become a commanding final Test saw Australia build on a strong platform laid by Head and followed up by Smith, as England’s bowlers struggled to find consistent breakthroughs. At stumps, the Aussies were well placed with a solid lead, setting the stage for potentially decisive play across the final two days of the series decider.
England elected to bat first in the match, posting a first-innings total of 384 runs, anchored by a strong century from Joe Root. Australia’s counterattack began on Day 2 with several notable contributions that kept the visitors’ bowlers under pressure. By the end of Day 3, however, Australia had wrested control of the match and looked well poised to build an imposing total.
Travis Head’s Brutal Innings
Australia’s innings took firm shape thanks to an explosive performance from Travis Head, who scored a magnificent 163 runs off 166 balls. His innings was a display of aggressive stroke play and intelligent shot selection, particularly against an England attack that had begun brightly earlier in the series. Head’s counterattacking approach provided the momentum Australia needed to turn the match in their favour.
Head’s century marked his third of this Ashes series, underlining his critical role at the top of the order throughout the contest. His innings featured crisp drives, powerful lofted shots, and a clear command over both pace and line from England’s bowlers, drawing praise from commentators for its timing and fluency under pressure.
Smith’s Unbeaten Masterclass
Following Head’s dismissal, veteran Steve Smith stepped up in typical fashion, guiding Australia deeper into their innings with a composed and brilliant display of Test batting. Smith finished the day unbeaten on 129 — his 13th century in Ashes Tests — reinforcing his status as one of the greats of Australia’s cricketing era.
Smith’s innings was built on patience, precision, and astute reading of the bowling patterns. He also brought moments of character and strategy to the crease, using his trademark unorthodox methods — including playful interactions with England’s fielders — to unsettle the bowlers and keep Australia’s innings progressing effectively.
Sharing an important partnership with Beau Webster later in the day, Smith helped ensure that Australia’s advantage grew to more than 130 runs — a position that puts significant pressure on England as the final innings draw near.
England’s Bowling Struggles and Fielding Errors
England’s bowling unit faced a difficult afternoon, with several dropped catches and inconsistent lines contributing to Australia’s big score. Bowler Brydon Carse managed to pick up some key wickets, but overall the hosts’ batsmen took advantage of any loose deliveries to build big partnerships.
Matthew Potts, despite bowling a large number of overs, was unable to secure a breakthrough and finished with figures that reflected the tough conditions for England’s attack. Conceding over 140 runs without a wicket, Potts’ day illustrated the uphill battle England faced against the disciplined and powerful Australian batting lineup.
Historical Context: The Ashes at the SCG
The Ashes series is one of cricket’s oldest rivalries, dating back to the late 19th century. The 2025-26 series sees Australia as the current holders after strong performances throughout the tour, including wins in earlier Tests that gave them a commanding 3-1 lead in the five-match series. England’s victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne prevented a clean sweep but the hosts have largely dominated this tour.
This final match — taking place from early January in Sydney — has had its share of drama, including notable centuries from both sides. Root’s century in England’s first innings gave his side a fighting chance earlier, but Australia’s strong batting reply on Day 3 has placed the pressure firmly back on the visitors.
Key Moments of the Day
- Travis Head 163 — Australia’s match-defining innings that set the tone.
- Steve Smith not out 129 — Tactical maturity and control under pressure.
- Australia finish Day 3 at 518/7 with a 134-run lead.
- England’s bowling attack struggles with consistency.
What’s Next in the 5th Test
With Australia holding a sizeable lead, the likely trajectory of the match now suggests they will aim to extend their advantage further, possibly building a total beyond 600. England’s hopes rest on encouraging early breakthroughs when they bowl again, while their batters will need to muster a significant performance in Australia’s second innings to challenge the hosts.
The final two days of this historic Test promise intense competition. Should England claw their way back into the game, it would not only offer a dramatic conclusion to this Ashes contest but also provide a memorable chapter for the storied rivalry that has enthralled cricket fans for over a century.
Conclusion: Aussies in Command
Day 3 of the 5th Ashes Test solidified Australia’s commanding position in the match, with dominant performances from both Travis Head and Steve Smith exemplifying the home team’s depth and resilience. With a strong lead and only a few wickets remaining, the hosts appear well placed to extend their advantage further and bring the series finale to a dominant close. As the contest moves into its final stages, England faces a challenging scenario — one that will test their grit and strategy under pressure.