Australia have officially retained the Ashes after defeating England by 82 runs in the third Test at Adelaide, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. With this win, Australia continued their strong home record and secured their fourth consecutive Ashes series win at home.
This match was a complete team effort, highlighted by Alex Carey’s match-winning performances, big hundreds from Travis Head, and disciplined bowling from the Australian attack.
Ashes 2025-26: Series Status After 3rd Test
| Series | Matches Played | Australia | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ashes 2025-26 | 3 | 3 Wins | 0 |
| Series Result | – | Australia lead 3-0 | Series lost |
Australia sealed the series in just 11 days, one of the fastest Ashes clinches in history.
Adelaide Test Result at a Glance
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 371 | 349 |
| England | 286 | 352 |
Result: Australia won by 82 runs
Alex Carey – The Difference Maker
Alex Carey was named Player of the Match, and rightly so.
Carey’s Match Performance
| Innings | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 106 | 143 |
| 2nd Innings | 72 | 128 |
- Played calm and responsible innings under pressure
- Anchored both Australian recoveries
- Used his home-ground experience perfectly
Carey’s contributions ensured Australia posted strong totals in both innings.
Travis Head’s Adelaide Masterclass Continues
Travis Head once again dominated at Adelaide Oval.
- 170 runs in the second innings
- Fourth Test hundred at this venue
- Controlled the game when Australia were under pressure
His partnership with Carey completely shifted the momentum in Australia’s favour.
England’s Fight Was Brave but Not Enough
England showed strong resistance in the fourth innings, chasing a massive target of 435.
Top Performers for England (4th Innings)
| Player | Runs |
|---|---|
| Zak Crawley | 85 |
| Jamie Smith | 60 |
| Brydon Carse | 39 |
| Will Jacks | Fighting knock |
Despite the effort, England fell short due to lack of big partnerships at the top.
Australian Bowlers Finish the Job
The Australian bowling unit stayed patient and disciplined.
Key Bowling Figures (4th Innings)
| Bowler | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Pat Cummins | 3 |
| Mitchell Starc | 3 |
| Scott Boland | Key breakthroughs |
Starc continued his excellent year, adding another impactful performance to his tally.
Records and Key Ashes Milestones
Fastest Ashes Wins (After 3 Tests)
| Days | Team | Season |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Australia | 1921 |
| 11 | Australia | 2001 |
| 11 | Australia | 2002–03 |
| 11 | Australia | 2025–26 |
Ashes Series Sealed 3-0 After 3 Tests
- Total instances: 12
- Australia: 11 times
- England: 1 time (1928–29)
Australia have now sealed each of the last four home Ashes series with a 3-0 lead.
Captains’ Take on the Series
Australia Captain – Pat Cummins
- Praised the team’s patience and adaptability
- Highlighted squad depth and contributions from different players
- Emphasised the importance of taking 20 wickets consistently
England Captain – Ben Stokes
- Admitted Australia executed better in key moments
- Appreciated the fight shown by lower-order batters
- Promised full effort in the remaining two Tests
What’s Next in the Ashes?
- 4th Test: Boxing Day Test at Melbourne
- Date: December 26
- England will play for pride
- Australia will aim for a historic whitewash
Summary
Australia’s 82-run victory at Adelaide was not just about one innings or one player. It was about discipline, experience, and composure under pressure. With Carey’s brilliance, Head’s dominance, and a relentless bowling unit, Australia proved once again why they are so hard to beat at home.
The Ashes are retained — and Australia are not done yet.
