Australia vs England 3rd Test, Ashes 2025-26: Australia had a remarkable outing on the first day of the third Test against England in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, December 17. Australia scored 326/9 on the first day on the back of a magnificent century from Alex Carey. Mitchell Starc (33) and Nathan Lyon (0) are at the crease for the hosts.
Australia were already two down inside the first 10 overs after opting to bat first as Jake Weatherald (18) and Travis Head (10) departed cheaply. After a little recovery, Marnus Labuschagne's stay at the crease also came to an end as he was dismissed by Jofra Archer for 19.
Archer brought England back in the contest as he removed Cameron Green for 0, a couple of balls later in the same over. While England looked to take the upper hand, Usman Khawaja and Carey brought things back for the Aussies. Khwaja wasn't included in the playing XI, which was announced on the eve of the Adelaide Test. However, a late fitness issue for Steve Smith forced Australia to come up with a last-minute change.
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While Head and Weatherald continued as the openers, Khawaja capitalised on the opportunity at the No.4 position. He smashed a magnificent fifty and stitched a 91-run stand with Carey for the fifth wicket. Khawaja missed out on his century and was dismissed for 82 runs in the 48th over. However, Carey kept going at the other end and made sure that his team reached a big total. The wicketkeeper-batter went on to smash an outstanding century and added crucial runs with Josh Inglis (32), skipper Pat Cummins (13) and Mitchell Starc.
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Carey played a memorable knock of 106 runs with the help of eight fours and a six. He was the last wicket to fall on the opening day. The visitors couldn't get any advantage from the second new ball in the next 5 overs.
Archer was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets under his belt, whereas Brydon Carse and Will Jacks found a couple of scalps.
AUS vs ENG 3rd Test Playing XIs, Ashes 2025-26
Australia: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue