Australia outclassed England by 82 runs on the fifth day of the third Test of the Ashes 2025 at Adelaide. Travis Head’s century in the second innings did the damage and turned the match in Australia’s favour. Alex Carey’s crucial contribution also proved decisive on the final day of the Test match. Australia needed four wickets on the last day, while England required around 200 runs to win. England fought hard on the final day but could not pull off a miracle. Jamie Smith tried his best to snatch the match from Australia, but his efforts fell short on day five. Australia stayed calm under pressure and held on to key catches to seal the victory.

England’s lower order dragged the chase deep into the afternoon session. However, Australia’s discipline in the field made the difference once again.

Boland delivers the winning moment

Scott Boland produced the final blow. He forced a thick edge from No.11 Josh Tongue. The ball flew straight to Marnus Labuschagne at first slip. Labuschagne completed his fourth catch of the match to end England’s resistance.

Brydon Carse remained unbeaten on 39. His effort came alongside earlier fighting knocks. Jamie Smith scored 60. Will Jacks added 47. Together, they gave England brief hope that this Test, and the series, might turn.

Fielding proves the key difference

Labuschagne starred throughout the match. He took his second one-handed stunner of the Test to dismiss Jacks. His fielding highlighted the clear gap between the two teams.

Australia won by 82 runs. That number carried symbolism. Usman Khawaja scored 82 on day one after Harry Brook dropped him on 5. Travis Head later made 71 after Brook dropped him on 99. Those missed chances proved costly and ended England’s Ashes hopes.

Starc steps up as Lyon gets injured

Mitchell Starc did not win Player of the Match this time. Still, his claim to the Compton-Miller Medal looks settled. Australia suffered a major scare when Nathan Lyon injured his right hamstring and left the field.

Starc then led the attack. He took three of the last four wickets. He found swing and seam on a flat Adelaide pitch. Once Australia took the new ball, the result felt inevitable.

England start the day with belief

England began the final day with some optimism. Australia delayed the new ball by sharing early overs between Lyon and Cameron Green. Smith and Jacks attacked bravely. Smith hit two sixes and cut the target below 200.

Rain briefly boosted England’s belief. A shower forced a 40-minute delay and lifted the mood of the Barmy Army.

Lyon injury changes the momentum

After play resumed, Jacks helped raise a fifty stand. Then came a turning point. Lyon dived at fine leg to stop a pull shot. He immediately showed discomfort. He injured his hamstring and walked off with the physio.

His exit appeared to end his series, just as his calf injury had done in 2023. England sensed opportunity and increased the scoring rate.

Smith falls after bold counterattack

Smith attacked part-time spin before taking on Starc and Pat Cummins with the new ball. He hit four powerful boundaries, including a straight drive off Cummins, to reach his first fifty of the series.

But he pushed too far. He attempted a big shot across the line against Starc. Cummins caught him at wide mid-on. Australia celebrated with relief as another England chance slipped away.

Jacks and Carse keep England alive

Jacks stayed patient. He focused on singles and solid defence. Carse supported him well. England reached lunch at 309 for 7. They still trailed by 126 runs.

After lunch, Cummins thought he had Carse lbw. Umpire Nitin Menon said no. Replays showed the ball missing middle stump. Carse survived and responded with attacking shots.

Australia close in under pressure

Australia tightened the screws with pace at both ends. Starc delivered a wobble-seam ball outside off. Labuschagne flew left to take a stunning one-handed catch at first slip.

Australia created more chances. Green dropped Carse at second slip. Alex Carey also missed a rare chance. Still, the pressure never eased.

Ashes wrapped up once again

Jofra Archer tried to counterattack. This time, it did not work. He slashed at Starc and found deep point. Eight balls later, Australia finished the job.

Australia secured their fourth home Ashes series in a row. They did it early once again. England fought hard, but Australia stayed sharper when it mattered most.

Brief Scorecard