Australia’s Travis Head continued his phenomenal century of form with an unbeaten 142 on Friday, putting the hosts in a commanding position in the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. His knock helped Australia build a 356-run lead over England, moving them closer to retaining the Ashes in the five-match series.
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At stumps on day three, Australia were 271-4, with Head on 142 and Alex Carey unbeaten on 52. Head’s century marked his fourth in as many Tests at Adelaide Oval, and his 11th overall, demonstrating his dominance on home soil. Despite being dropped on 99 by Harry Brook, Head composedly reached the milestone, cutting and chopping boundaries to all parts of the ground.
HUNDRED BY TRAVIS HEAD IN THE ASHES.
– A superb innings by Head, his fantabulous form continues. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Zc3yxaDdab
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 19, 2025
Travis Head and Alex Carey’s impressive partnership put Australia in a commanding position at the end of Day 3 in Adelaide 👊#WTC27 | #AUSvENG 📝: https://t.co/tPZVCGZI7D pic.twitter.com/wPX7YEBa9W
— ICC (@ICC) December 19, 2025
England’s chances of chasing a record total appear slim. They had already suffered defeats inside two days at Perth and four days in Brisbane. Australia’s highest successful run chase at Adelaide Oval is 316, set in 1902, highlighting the improbability of an English comeback.
Earlier, England had shown brief resistance through a spirited ninth-wicket stand of 106 runs between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. Stokes, suffering from leg cramps and dehydration in sweltering 40°C heat, reached his slowest Test 50 off 159 balls. Archer scored 51, his maiden half-century, before being dismissed by Scott Boland.
Australia’s bowlers, including Pat Cummins (3-69) and Boland (3-45), consistently applied pressure, while Head and Carey’s partnership ensured the hosts maintained momentum. Head’s century, his fourth consecutive at Adelaide Oval, combined with support from Carey and earlier contributions from Usman Khawaja, put Australia in a virtually unassailable position.
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With England’s top order struggling and the record run chase looming, Australia appear poised to wrap up the series. Head’s masterful innings exemplifies both skill and composure, underscoring why he has become a key figure in the hosts’ bid to retain cricket’s oldest rivalry.