Australia vs England 5th Ashes Test Day 3 Highlights: Australia Dominate at SCG

Day 3 of the fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Sydney Cricket Ground belonged emphatically to the hosts, as centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head pushed Australia firmly into the driving seat of the series finale.

By stumps, Australia had crossed the 500-run mark, grinding England’s bowling attack into submission and seizing complete control of the contest heading into Day 4.

Steve Smith Leads with Authority

Australia skipper Steve Smith delivered another Ashes masterclass, ending the day unbeaten on 129*. In the process, Smith registered his 37th Test century and 12th hundred in Ashes cricket, reinforcing his reputation as one of the greatest performers in the history of the rivalry.

Beau Webster Provides Perfect Support

Smith found a dependable partner in Beau Webster, who finished the day 42 not out. The pair put together an unbeaten 83-run stand, a partnership that epitomised Australia’s control in the final session.

Travis Head’s Explosive Counter-Attack Sets the Tone

Earlier on Day 3, it was Travis Head who seized the initiative with a breathtaking counter-attacking innings. The left-hander smashed a blistering 163 off just 166 balls, turning the momentum decisively in Australia’s favour.

Head’s approach was aggressive yet calculated. He punished short deliveries, drove confidently down the ground, and took on England’s spinners with authority. His ability to score freely forced England onto the back foot and accelerated Australia’s progress beyond England’s first-innings total.

England’s Breakthroughs Hard-Earned

England’s bowlers endured a long and testing day. Despite disciplined spells, wickets were difficult to come by on a surface that offered little assistance.

Brydon Carse was standout bowler, claiming two wickets through persistence and accurate lines.
Young all-rounder Jacob Bethell enjoyed a memorable moment by claiming his maiden Test wicket, a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging day for the visitors.

However, struggled to build sustained pressure. Each breakthrough was followed by steady partnerships, preventing the visitors from clawing their way back into the contest.

Late Drama as Australia Cross 500

The final moments of the day summed up Australia’s authority. With searching desperately for wickets, Will Jacks was brought on to bowl late in the evening.

On the final delivery of the day, Beau Webster guided an edge for two runs, taking Australia past the 500-run mark and closing the day on a symbolic high. The moment highlighted England’s fatigue and Australia’s ability to capitalise on even the smallest opportunities.

Key Day 3 Highlights at a Glance

Steve Smith: 129* (37th Test century, 12th Ashes hundred)
Travis Head: 163 (explosive counter-attacking knock)
Smith–Webster partnership: 83* runs
Australia total: Crossed 500 before stumps
England wickets: Carse (2), Bethell (1st Test wicket)

Match Situation Heading into Day 4

Australia are now firmly in the driver’s seat, with:

A substantial first-innings lead
Set batters still at the crease
England’s bowlers visibly worn down

With plenty of time left in the match, Australia can dictate strategy—either batting England completely out of the contest or setting a daunting target depending on conditions.

Conclusion

Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test was a showcase of Australian batting dominance. Travis Head’s explosive 163 provided the momentum, while Steve Smith’s unbeaten century applied relentless pressure, grinding England down session by session.