Travis Head's Heroics Propel Australia to Dominance in Ashes Test

Post by : Mina Rahman

Travis Head's aggressive performance on Day 3 of the third Test has solidified Australia's position in the Ashes series, with the home side now boasting a 204-run advantage. Head's unbeaten half-century played a crucial role in this commanding lead, putting England in a precarious situation on December 19, 2025.

By tea, Australia had reached 119 for 2 in their second innings, with Head elegantly scoring 68 not out, while Usman Khawaja supported with a steady 27 runs. The duo looked set to diminish England's hopes of a comeback in this five-match series.

With his characteristic aggression, Head punished England's bowlers, displaying sharp cutting and powerful pulls reminiscent of his previous century in Perth earlier this series. His performance further chipped away at England's confidence.

Australia had experienced a slight hiccup before lunch when opener Jake Weatherald fell lbw for just one run. Despite replays suggesting the ball pitched outside leg, Weatherald opted not to review, granting England an early breakthrough.

Marnus Labuschagne faced an anxious moment on eight when England's appeal for a catch behind was dismissed after replays showed a clear gap between bat and ball, although he was dismissed shortly after for 13, caught at slip by Harry Brook off Josh Tongue.

Earlier, England's innings ended at 286 in response to Australia's 371, with captain Ben Stokes leading a notable resistance with 83 runs. He battled through considerable discomfort under the heat and forged a vital 106-run partnership with Jofra Archer, reviving hope for England.

Stokes achieved the slowest half-century of his Test career, taking 159 balls, before falling to Mitchell Starc with the second new ball. Archer contributed a commendable 51, marking his first Test fifty before being dismissed.

Scott Boland showcased an impressive bowling performance with figures of 3 for 45, while Pat Cummins returned from injury to bag 3 for 69, leading a relentless Australian bowling unit.

England's woes began on Thursday as Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope fell in a devastating 15-ball spell, leaving the visitors struggling. Harry Brook showed some resilience with a score of 45, but the team's collapse proved detrimental.

Now staring at a daunting task to avoid losing the Ashes after two consecutive Test defeats, England faces a formidable challenge, while Australia inches closer to sealing the series in emphatic style.