The third Test of the 2025–26 Ashes series between England and Australia at the iconic Adelaide Oval ended its second day with the visitors struggling to respond to a commanding Australian total. On a hot afternoon of Test cricket, the hosts dominated proceedings with both bat and ball, leaving England firmly on the back foot as the series approaches a possible early conclusion.
Match Summary – Day Two
Australia were bowled out for a competitive 371 runs in their first innings after resuming from 326/8 at stumps on Day 1. In reply, England battled their way to 213/8 at the close of play on Day Two, still trailing by 158 runs. The match situation highlights Australia’s strong position in this pivotal third Test.
Score at stumps – 3rd Test, Adelaide Oval
- Australia 1st Innings: 371 all out
- England 1st Innings: 213/8 (68 overs)
- Lead: Australia by 158 runs
For full scorecards and live updates, visit ESPN cricket match report.
Australia’s Batting Performance
Australia’s innings was built around notable contributions from key batters.
- Alex Carey scored a brilliant century, anchoring the innings with a commanding 106 runs.
- Usman Khawaja supported with a solid 82 runs to stabilize the middle order.
- Mitchell Starc made a useful lower-order contribution with 54, ultimately helping the home side post a challenging total.
The Australian innings was helped by a mixed bowling attack from England, with Jofra Archer the pick of the bowlers, picking up a five-wicket haul that briefly gave England hope of restricting the hosts.
England’s Response
England’s reply was led by resilient knocks from a few batters, though the overall progress was hindered by regular losses of wickets:
- Ben Stokes stood out with a determined 45 not out, playing with grit and intent at one end.
- Harry Brook matched Stokes’ contribution with a fighting 45, but lacked sustained support from his teammates.
- Jofra Archer also contributed with 30 not out, providing some resistance in the lower order.
Despite the efforts of these batters, England’s top and middle order failed to make substantial contributions, allowing Australia’s bowlers to maintain control of the match.
Bowling Highlights
Australia’s bowling unit justified their strong position in the match:
- Pat Cummins returned with figures of 3/54, consistently challenging England’s batters and picking up key scalps.
- Nathan Lyon claimed 2/51 and continued to solidify his legacy, passing Glenn McGrath to become Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history during the match.
- Cameron Green also chipped in with a wicket, providing valuable support from the seam.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Several key events shaped the course of Day Two:
- England’s top order was repeatedly under pressure, with early dismissals hampering the building of partnerships once Australia had set a formidable target.
- Ben Stokes’ fighting innings helped prevent an even earlier collapse, offering England a slim thread of hope heading into Day Three.
- The return of Pat Cummins to competitive cricket bolstered Australia’s attack and allowed them to exert continued pressure on England.
Controversies and Extra-Cricket Stories
Off the field, the match has seen debate and discussion around technology decisions, particularly involving Snicko (snickometer) calls used to adjudicate close edges. Some decisions have been cited as contentious by players and pundits alike, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already tense Test match.
Amid such tensions, Australia also paused before the match to honor victims of the recent Bondi Beach tragedy, with a touching tribute that united fans and players alike before the battle resumed on the field.
What Lies Ahead – Day 3
As play resumes on Day Three, England’s immediate goal will be to reduce Australia’s lead and build a partnership capable of swinging momentum. Given the significant deficit and Australia’s form, a dramatic turnaround will be required for England to stay competitive in this match and keep their Ashes hopes alive.
Australia will look to wrap up England’s first innings quickly and may even push for a declaration to give themselves ample time to bowl England out a second time. The coming day promises to be exciting for cricket fans and could shape the future of this Ashes series.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information and live updates available at the time of writing. Match situations can change rapidly as play progresses.
Sources: ESPN – Australia vs England 3rd Test Day 2 scorecard and match report, news dispatches, and live coverage from the Adelaide Oval.
Author: Prashant Sanjeeva Sherigara