Australia concluded their first innings on 371 runs during the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. The hosts batted first after Pat Cummins won the toss on a hot December afternoon. England’s bowlers took eight wickets on opening day to restrict Australia significantly. Alex Carey scored a magnificent 106 runs to anchor the Australian innings. Jofra Archer led England’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 3 for 29 runs.
Alex Carey took charge and scored 106
Smith’s Absence Triggers Khawaja Recall
Steve Smith’s unexpected absence proved crucial for the Australian batting lineup on the opening day. Smith suffered dizzy spells during the lead-up to the match and did not take field. Usman Khawaja received a last-minute call as his replacement at number four. Khawaja proved the recalling decision justified with a resolute 82 runs from 126 deliveries. The veteran batsman showed composure despite not playing in the previous Test match. His performance provided vital support to the Australian middle order.
Usman Khawaja scores 82 runs after late inclusion
Openers Fall To Early English Pressure
Travis Head departed after scoring only 10 runs in the opening phase. Jake Weatherald managed just 18 runs before succumbing to England’s pace attack. Both opening batsmen fell within the first session of play. Brydon Carse removed Head to reduce Australia to 33 for two. England’s early breakthroughs suggested they might capitalise on the opening day conditions. However, the partnerships that followed would dramatically shift momentum towards the hosts.
Khawaja and Labuschagne Build Crucial Partnership
Usman Khawaja combined successfully with Marnus Labuschagne to stabilise Australia’s innings. The pair took the team through lunch relatively safely after early wickets fell. Labuschagne contributed 19 runs before falling to Jofra Archer in the opening delivery of the afternoon session. Archer struck with devastating effect immediately after the break, removing Labuschagne and Cameron Green in quick succession. England appeared to seize control of proceedings at this critical juncture.
Archer’s Afternoon Brilliance Transforms Match Momentum
Jofra Archer transformed the match dynamics with a blistering performance post-lunch. The English fast bowler claimed two wickets in three deliveries, leaving Australia reeling at 87 for 4. His shorter length and pace created significant problems for the Australian batsmen throughout the afternoon. Archer’s figures of 3 for 29 represented his most economical performance of the series. His success came after previous criticism following England’s loss in Brisbane. The pace bowler bowled 16 overs with disciplined line and length.
A Test five-for by Jofra Archer for the first time in six years
Carey And Khawaja Partnership Provides Recovery
Alex Carey exhibited composure and determination after Labuschagne’s departure. He combined with Usman Khawaja to build a fifth-wicket stand of 91 runs. Both batsmen adapted to the demanding conditions and played positively. Khawaja’s drop catch on 5 runs by Harry Brook proved consequential for Australia’s recovery. The reprieve allowed Khawaja to capitalise on weak bowling from England’s attack. Carey moved steadily towards his century whilst Khawaja built his innings methodically. The partnership took Australia to 194 for 5 at tea.
Carey Reaches Century In Front Of Home Crowd
Alex Carey struck his third Test century at his home ground of Adelaide Oval. He reached the milestone in front of 56,298 fans, the largest cricket crowd at the venue ever. Carey’s innings contained eight boundaries and one massive six over the boundary. He finished with 106 runs from 143 deliveries, showing excellent stroke selection throughout. Carey survived a controversial caught-behind decision at 72 runs that sparked significant controversy. Snicko technology allegedly malfunctioned on the dismissal, prompting England to question decision review reliability.
Tail Wags Productively For Australia’s Cause
Mitchell Starc proved problematic for England’s bowlers with aggressive batting down the order. Starc contributed 33 runs from 63 deliveries with composed stroke-making. He combined successfully with Carey for the eighth-wicket partnership of 50 runs. Josh Inglis scored 32 runs before falling to Josh Tongue. Pat Cummins added 13 runs to support the innings with the bat. Scott Boland contributed 14 runs in the tail. The lower-order contributions proved vital for Australia’s first-innings total.
Mitchell Starc has scored back-to-back fifties for the first time in his Test career!
Only Travis Head, Alex Carey, Joe Root and Marnus Labuschagne have scored more runs than him in the series so far 👏#AUSvENG #Ashes pic.twitter.com/umm2mLJrYA
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 17, 2025
England’s Bowling Efforts Despite Heat
England’s bowlers toiled in temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius throughout the day. Brydon Carse claimed 2 for 70 runs across his 22 overs. Josh Tongue delivered impressively with 1 for 63 runs from his bowling spell. Will Jacks removed both Khawaja and Carey to claim 2 for 105 runs. England’s bowling lacked consistency in attacking the stumps persistently. The short-ball strategy yielded underwhelming returns against composed Australian batsmen.
Australia Sets Challenging First-Innings Total
Australia’s 371-run first-innings total represents a competitive score at Adelaide Oval. Historical averages show first-innings scores averaging 393 runs at the venue. The hosts added 45 runs on the second morning to extend their overnight 326 for 8 position. England faces a significant challenge in the second innings on this favourable batting surface.
