How Did Head and Smith Propel Australia to 518/7 at Stumps on Day 3 in Sydney?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling display of cricket, Travis Head and Steven Smith propelled Australia to a dominant 518/7 at stumps on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test. Discover how their performances established a formidable 134-run lead over England at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Key Takeaways
- Travis Head scored 163, marking his 12th Test century.
- Steven Smith remained not out at 129, achieving his 37th Test century.
- Australia ended Day 3 at 518/7, leading by 134 runs.
- England struggled with missed opportunities in the field.
- Australia's strong partnerships contributed to their dominance.
Sydney, Jan 6 (NationPress) Travis Head (163) and Steven Smith (129 not out) steered Australia into a commanding position during the fifth Ashes Test, as the home team concluded Day 3 at 518/7, establishing a 134-run lead over England at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.
In reply to England's first-innings total of 384, Head showcased his exceptional skills at the top of the order, securing his 12th Test century at an impressive strike rate. Starting the day at 91, he partnered with Michael Neser, who had managed to survive the final session of Day 2 while shielding Smith.
Neser initially faced a reviewed appeal for caught behind before Head reached his century with a beautiful shot to the off-side for four. The first breakthrough for England came after 90 minutes, as Brydon Carse dismissed Neser for 24.
Smith then came to the crease, with Head reaching 162 when lunch was called. England had two opportunities to claim wickets in the last two overs of the session, but both were missed. Consequently, Australia added 115 runs while losing just one wicket in the first session.
Post-lunch, Head managed only one more run before being dismissed by England's spinner Jacob Bethell in the third over after lunch. The opener received a warm standing ovation, having accumulated 600 runs in the series, as Australia continued to advance.
Khawaja joined Smith and, playing his final Test, scored 17, forming a partnership of 51 runs with the stand-in captain before falling to Brydon Carse. Alex Carey played aggressively but fell victim to a leg-stump trap for the third time in this series.
Cameron Green looked solid with a good start but was dismissed for 37 while attempting a risky pull shot. Beau Webster played confidently, forging an 81-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Smith, who achieved his 37th Test century and his first in this series. By stumps, Smith was unbeaten on 129, with Webster scoring 48, as Australia extended their lead to 134 runs.
Brief Scores: England 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84; Michael Neser 4-60, Scott Boland 2-85) trail Australia 518/7 (Travis Head 163, Steven Smith 129*; Brydon Carse 3-108, Ben Stokes 2-87) by 134 runs
Point of View
It is essential to highlight Australia's commanding position in the Ashes Test. The performances of Travis Head and Steven Smith not only reflect their individual skills but also the resilience of the Australian team. This win could be pivotal in shaping the outcome of the series, and the cricketing world will be keenly observing the next moves.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score at stumps on Day 3?
Australia reached 518/7 at stumps on Day 3, leading England by 134 runs.
Who were the top performers for Australia?
Travis Head scored 163 runs, while Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 129.
What was England's first-innings score?
England scored 384 in their first innings.
What were the key partnerships in Australia’s innings?
Key partnerships included a significant stand between Head and Khawaja, and an 81-run partnership with Beau Webster.
Where is the match being played?
The match is being held at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia.
