England’s Ashes campaign edged closer to a heavy defeat after centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head dominated the third day of the fifth Test in Sydney.
Head’s aggressive 163 and an unbeaten 129 from Smith, both scored after being dropped in the opening session, powered Australia to 518 for 7 and a lead of 134 runs. Smith’s innings moved him past Jack Hobbs to second on the all-time Ashes run-scoring list, behind only Don Bradman.
England’s fielding woes continued, with further missed chances compounding a series marked by costly errors, while Ben Stokes shouldered a heavy bowling workload in difficult conditions.
With Australia firmly in control and a 4–1 series win looming, England face the prospect of another defeat unless they can produce an unlikely fightback with the bat.
Stumps
England vs Australia, 5th Test. The Ashes
- AUS 518/7 (124 ov)
- ENG 384
- Steve Smith* 129(205)
- Beau Webster 42(58)
- Will Jacks 0/31 (8 ov)
- Day 3 – Australia lead by 134 runs.
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