ENG vs AUS Ashes 2025-26: Australia Dominate as Steve Smith & Travis Head Smash Hundreds, Take 134-Run Lead

Australia tightened their grip on the fifth and final Test in Sydney. Steve Smith and Travis Head were the standout performers, both scoring centuries. Brydon Carse bowled with heart and discipline but, with little support from the field or his fellow bowlers, England slipped well behind the eight ball. The hosts piled on 352 runs for the loss of five wickets during the day and head into Day 4 with a lead of 134 runs and three wickets in hand.

Australia started the day at 166/2 with Travis Head and nightwatchman Michael Neser in the middle as the two overnight batters. Neser fought hard and contributed 24 runs in the 72-run stand for the third wicket before losing his wicket to Carse. 

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England Founded: 1739

England is regarded as the birthplace of cricket and has won the Ashes 32 times.

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Australia Founded: 1877

The Australian cricket team is the joint oldest team in Test cricket history and has a tremendous record in one-dayers, having won more than 60% of the matches they have played.

Steve Smith then partnered Travis Head as the duo took the attack to the English bowlers. They added 54 runs before Head fell to Jacob Bethell. He made 163 to put Australia on top. Usman Khawaja missed a full toss against Carse and was dismissed for 17 in his final Test match.

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Travis Head Batter

Travis Michael Head is an aggressive Australian left-handed batsman, an occasional right-arm off-spin bowler, known for match-winning performances in big finals, currently playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL after a standout 2024 season, and is the current Test vice-captain for Australia, a role he excels in alongside significant ODI/T20I leadership, winning the 2023 WTC & ODI World Cup.

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Usman Khawaja Batsman

Usman Khawaja is a 39-year-old Australian cricketer (born December 18, 1986) who is a left-handed batsman and captain of the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls.

Alex Carey hit a few boundaries before dishing out a catch once again to leg gully off Josh Tongue. Cameron Green got a start but threw away his wicket at 37. He too put on a 50-plus stand with Smith.

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Brydon Carse Bowler

Brydon Carse is a dynamic English right-arm fast-medium bowling all-rounder known for genuine pace (often around 90mph/146kph), powerful lower-order batting, and being an impact player for England and Durham, with past IPL ties to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) where he offers valuable team balance and hitting power, though he faced recent injury issues and a betting-related ban but remains a key asset with Test, ODI, and T20I experience.

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Ben Stokes Allrounder

One of the most explosive all-rounders of the modern era, Ben Stokes's energy is infectious on the cricket field.

The Australian captain got to his 37th Test ton and took the lead past 100-run mark. Beau Webster walked in at number 9 and is unbeaten on 42 at the close of play. The 8th wicket partnership currently stands at 81. An exciting Day 4 coming up and Australia are sitting comfortably in the driver's seat.

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IND U19 vs SA U19 3rd ODI: Where to Watch India U19 vs South Africa U19, H2H, Playing 11 & Full Match Details India U19vs South Africa U19are set to play thirdODI of their three-match series on Monday, January 7that 1:00 PM.

by Dwijesh January 6, 2026