Key Highlights
- Australia’s Usman Khawaja dismissed for 26 runs, ending an 86-run stand with Steve Smith.
- England all out for 286 runs in their first innings, giving Australia a 85-run lead on first innings.
- Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer share a 106-run ninth-wicket stand to help England’s chances.
- Australia need 320 runs to win the Test match, according to cricket analysts.
The Ashes 2025: Live Updates from Adelaide – Cricket Match Analysis
Day three of the third Test between Australia and England in Adelaide sees a tense battle with England struggling to regain control. The early session saw Usman Khawaja dismissed for just 26 runs, an unfortunate end to an 86-run stand with Steve Smith. The dismissal puts pressure on the remaining English batters as they aim to prevent further loss of wickets.
England’s innings ended at 286 all out, which has given Australia a substantial lead of 85 runs on first innings.
However, the presence of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer has provided some hope for England’s fightback chances. These two players have managed to share a crucial 106-run ninth-wicket stand, significantly improving their position.
England’s In-Field Performance Criticized
The fielding performance of England has been under scrutiny, with comments from various cricket analysts pointing out that they need to improve. Stuart Broad, known for his all-round skills, is often cited as a player who could provide a spark in the bowling department but is not currently available due to injuries.
Former England bowler Alex Hartley emphasized on BBC Test Match Special that Australia may aim to declare their innings with 204 runs on board. This would make it challenging for England, given the limited time left in this game. However, Hartley also suggested that there might be a chance of an unexpected turn of events in the evening session.
Analysts’ Predictions and Observations
Glenn McGrath, an ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special, commented on the current state of play. He noted that the pitch is drying up due to its dusty condition, which could favor Australia’s spinners in the coming sessions. This analysis adds a layer of complexity as England tries to adjust their strategies.
Another expert, Sam Drury from BBC Test Match Special, emphasized the need for England to show improvement with the ball after their fielding struggles. He added that even if Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer could provide the breakthroughs, it might not be enough given the current lead Australia holds on first innings.
Conclusion
The Road Ahead
The third Test in Adelaide remains a critical stage of the Ashes 2025 series. With England needing to bat for at least two days and score around 320 runs, the pressure is immense. Analysts predict that Australia will declare their innings with 204 runs on board, making it challenging for England to recover.
The evening session presents a crucial opportunity for England, but they need more than just Stokes and Archer’s efforts.
The game could come down to how effectively the rest of the English batting lineup manages to bat through the remaining overs. Only time will tell if England can reverse their fortunes or if Australia can extend their lead into victory.
