Travis Head and Steve Smith piled on the runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday, steering Australia into a commanding position against England in the fifth and final Ashes Test.
With three days remaining, Australia reached 518 for 7, converting England’s first innings 384 into a 134 run lead thanks to Head’s 163 and Smith’s undefeated 129 at stumps.
For a match that started with England holding Australia in check for a short while, the third day turned into a long day in the sun for the visitors who found it difficult to slow the scoring once Head settled in.
As the field spread and the bowlers looked for control, he scored quickly, cutting and driving through gaps time and time again. Australia had taken control of the game by the time he fell and England’s attack had been struggling for the better part of two sessions.
The anchor was Smith’s inning in which he raised a century with plenty of context after batting deep and profiting from a flat surface and weary legs.
It was his 13th Ashes century and by stumps, he had amassed 3,683 runs against England in the series, placing him second on the all time Ashes list behind Don Bradman.
With 46,161 spectators attending the annual Jane McGrath Day, many of whom were dressed in pink, the day also had a distinctly Sydney vibe which was giving the stadium a festival appearance even as England’s options became more limited.
Smaller but significant contributions from Australia’s innings kept the scoreboard moving and made sure England rarely had a quiet period.
Beau Webster’s 42 not out and Michael Neser’s tenacious 24 from 90 balls helped Smith finish the game undefeated in an 81 run stand at stumps.
England’s few bright moments came through Brydon Carse who took three wickets but the damage was already done by the time the second new ball arrived.
Matthew Potts had a particularly bruising day conceding 141 runs from 25 overs, a reflection of both Australia’s intent and England’s inability to build sustained pressure.
Before being dismissed, Usman Khawaja, playing what was reportedly his farewell Test in which he made 17 and was warmly welcomed by the SCG crowd.
Australia was able to form partnerships through the middle order and then accelerate late as the lead surpassed 100 despite England’s early wicket.
The match situation leaves England needing early strikes on day four to keep the Test alive. Australia’s lead is already significant and with Smith still there, the hosts have the chance to push well beyond 200 and set up a scenario where England must bat for time or take risks to chase the game.
With Australia already 3-1 up in the series and the Ashes retained, the final Test is now shaping as a test of England’s resilience as much as its technique.
