Match overview: Australia retain the Ashes after a controlled 3rd Test win
Australia have retained the Ashes after a decisive performance in the 3rd Test, turning a strong first-innings lead into a comfortable victory over England. Batting first, Australia posted 371 all out, with a masterful 106 from Alex Carey anchoring the innings. Usman Khawaja contributed 82 and Mitchell Starc added a brisk 54 as the home side set a challenging target.
Key player performances
Australia were buoyed by Carey’s century, which stitched together a top-order that included Khawaja’s steady 82. Starc’s fifty provided a late push, while contributions from other middle-order batters helped Australia reach 371 in a pressure-filled first innings. On the bowling front, the Australian attack applied relentless pressure, keeping England to 286 all out in their reply.
England fought back with a pair of valued fifties from Ben Stokes (83) and Jofra Archer (51), trying to stitch a competitive chase. However, Australia’s bowlers maintained discipline for long periods, and crucial moments with the bat had already given the hosts the upper hand.
Turning point: Carey’s century and the early lead
The match’s defining moment came when Carey reached three figures, giving Australia a solid platform after a promising start. The late-order runs by Starc and others extended the total, leaving England with a demanding target. Australia’s early control in the match, built on tight bowling and patient accumulation, forced England to chase throughout the second innings.
England’s response and Australia’s bowling discipline
England’s top-scorers Stokes and Archer offered resistance, but a collapse at key moments curtailed any long partnership. Australia’s bowlers leveraged late-innings pressure to break crucial stands and keep England from building momentum. The home side’s fielding was solid, and the cumulative pressure from Australia’s seamers played a significant role in dismissing the visiting side for 286.
Stats snapshot: what the numbers say
– Australia posted 371 in the first innings with Carey’s 106 anchoring the innings. Khawaja’s 82 provided a reliable second‑joker, while Starc’s 54 added depth to the total.
– England were bowled out for 286 in their first innings, with Stokes 83 and Archer 51 the primary resistance.
– The margin of victory reflected Australia’s consistency with the ball and the batting depth that the Ashes series demands.
What this means for the series
With the 3rd Test victory, Australia extend their series lead and secure the trophy, fulfilling expectations built on earlier performances. The win underlines Australia’s balance across both batsmen and bowlers, reinforcing their confidence as the series moves forward.
Bottom line
Australia’s calculated approach, highlighted by Carey’s pivotal century and solid support from Khawaja and Starc, coupled with disciplined bowling, enabled them to retain the Ashes in another tightly contested chapter of the rivalry with England.
