Adelaide, Dec 21 (NationPress) After a momentary uncertainty, Australia has successfully retained the Ashes urn through an emphatic win, defeating England by 82 runs in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval. Following this triumph, Marnus Labuschagne humorously noted how gratifying it was to clinch the series, especially after being labeled the ‘worst Australian team in 15 years’ before the Ashes commenced.

With this victory, Australia has achieved an unassailable 3-0 lead, leaving England without a win in Australia for an astonishing 18 consecutive Tests.

After concluding Day 5 of the third Test successfully, Labuschagne told ABC Radio, “Amid all the media frenzy, being labeled the worst Australian team in 15 years, it’s delightful to be positioned where we are 3 nil up.”

A peculiar 40-minute rain delay occurred in the morning, surprisingly without any rain, giving England a glimmer of hope against Australia’s weakened bowling line-up.

The 25-year-old wicketkeeper Smith aggressively targeted both Lyon and Cameron Green for boundaries early in the play, exhibiting an eagerness to approach the daunting task of chasing down 435 runs.

The spirited trio of Jamie Smith (60 runs), Will Jacks (47), and Brydon Carse (39 not out) battled valiantly for around three hours on day five, yet their quest for a record fourth-innings chase ended with them all out for 352. A remarkable catch by Labuschagne at second slip dismissed Jacks, effectively sealing England's fate.

Australia's choice to take the new ball proved crucial, as Smith misplayed a shot to wide mid-on after hitting a series of quick boundaries, ultimately leaving the field for 60 runs, a moment that sparked debate among pundits and fans alike.

Scott Boland delivered the final blow, dismissing England’s No. 11 batter Josh Tongue to second slip, marking the halfway point of the session after lunch and sealing the victory for Australia.