Clinical Australia Crush England in Adelaide to Seal Series

ADELAIDE: Australia completed a commanding 82-run victory over England on the fifth day of the third Test at Adelaide Oval, sealing an unassailable 3-0 series lead and retaining the Ashes with ruthless efficiency. England’s pursuit of a world-record 435 ended at 352, despite spirited resistance that briefly teased Australian nerves during the morning session.

The result confirmed Australia’s control of the series after just eleven days of cricket, marking one of the quickest Ashes decisions in more than a century.

England Resume with Hope and Clear Intent

England began the final day needing 228 runs with four wickets remaining. The pitch remained good for batting, and the early movement had softened overnight. Jamie Smith and Will Jacks walked out with freedom, clarity, and an understanding that survival alone would not suffice.

Smith drove on the rise and pulled with authority, while Jacks trusted his hands, punched through cover, and forced Australia to spread the field. The partnership gathered momentum without recklessness, forcing Pat Cummins to cycle through his attack. Australia felt pressure for the first time since setting the target.

Smith Announces Himself on the Big Stage

Jamie Smith delivered the finest innings of his young Test career. He moved fluently, judged length early, and refused to retreat into a shell. His maiden Test half-century arrived with a crisp square drive that drew applause from both camps.

Smith’s 60 changed the tempo of the morning, and England crossed 300 with belief growing and voices lifting in the stands.

Starc Breaks the Resistance with Pace and Precision

Starc struck at the moment Australia needed most, as he dragged his length back, tempted Smith into an ambitious pull, and forced a mistimed stroke that ballooned straight up. The catch settled safely, and the partnership finally ended at 91.

England still required plenty of runs, yet belief wavered with one error.

Labuschagne’s Brilliance Turns the Game

Will Jacks battled hard for 47, showing discipline against spin and courage against pace. He looked capable of extending the contest deeper into the day. Starc angled one across him, found the outside edge, and sent the ball flying toward first slip.

Marnus Labuschagne launched himself to his right, stretched fully, and plucked the ball inches above the turf with one hand. The catch stunned England and ignited the Australian fielders.

Australia Close In Without Panic

With Jacks gone, Australia sensed the finish, and Cummins rotated bowlers sharply, kept attacking fields, and refused to drift into defensive habits. England’s lower order fought, but the asking rate crept upward with every quiet over.

Starc removed two more batters with hostile spells that mixed yorkers, short balls, and late swing. He finished with figures of three for 62, delivering when the match demanded authority.

Boland Seals It as Slips Complete the Job

Boland attacked the channel relentlessly, and Josh Tongue survived briefly, blocked stoutly, and searched for singles that never arrived. One delivery straightened just enough, found the edge, and flew toward the second slip.

Labuschagne moved sharply and completed his fourth catch of the innings. Australia erupted as England fell for 352, 82 runs short of history.

Carey’s Match Defines the Contest

Alex Carey earned the Player of the Match award for contributions that shaped the Test decisively. His first-innings 106 rescued Australia from pressure, while his second-innings 72 stretched England’s hopes beyond reach.

Carey stood up to the spinners, encouraged bowlers relentlessly, and executed chances without error. 

Injury Clouds Australia’s Celebration

Nathan Lyon left the field earlier on day five with a hamstring injury that appeared serious. The off-spinner looked unlikely to feature again in the series, casting uncertainty over Australia’s balance for the remaining Tests.

Australia will monitor Lyon closely ahead of the Boxing Day Test, with selectors facing decisions around workload and replacements.

Ashes Retained with Authority

Australia retained the Ashes after dominating all three Tests through discipline, clarity, and superior execution. England showed fight, particularly on the final morning, yet mistakes at crucial moments repeatedly cost them control.

Series Moves to Melbourne with Stakes Changed

The fourth Test begins on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Ashes no longer sit in contention, yet pride, momentum, and selection debates remain very much alive.

Australia will aim to extend dominance, and England will search for answers and salvage dignity.