Australia closed the third day of the fifth Ashes Test in commanding fashion, ending on 518/7 and holding a 134-run lead over England. The star of the day was undoubtedly Steve Smith, who scored his first century of the series, remaining unbeaten on 129 and orchestrating Australia’s innings with characteristic poise and precision.
Earlier in the day, Travis Head’s 163 set a blistering pace, joining the ranks of Aussie greats at the SCG. But it was Smith’s knock that truly stole the show. Walking out after nightwatch Michael Neser fell, Smith looked animated, determined, and fully in control.
Every shot reflected his experience and class — guiding partnerships, rotating the strike, and punishing loose deliveries.
On the milestone delivery, a short ball around leg, Smith shuffled across and nudged it down to long leg, leaving the deep square leg fielder scrambling. Raising his bat to the buoyant SCG crowd, Smith soaked in the applause, adding his 37th career century, 13th Ashes test Century against England, and fifth at the SCG. He now trails only the great Don Bradman, who has 19 Ashes centuries to his name, according to cricket.com.au.
By stumps, Smith shared an unbroken 71-run stand with Beau Webster, putting Australia in a dominant position. Middle-order contributions from Cameron Green, Webster, and Neser’s patient 24 helped erase England’s first-innings deficit and build a formidable total.
For England, Brydon Carse was the pick of the attack with three hard-earned wickets, but the rest of the bowlers struggled to make an impact. Captain Ben Stokes could not add to his two scalps from the previous day, while Josh Tongue and Jacob Bethell claimed one wicket each. Despite their efforts, the day firmly belonged to the home side.
The match also carried a special significance with ‘Jane McGrath Pink Day’. Players donned pink jerseys, stumps were painted pink, and fans in the SCG created a vibrant sea of colour in support of the McGrath Foundation, adding a meaningful backdrop to Australia’s dominance.
Australia’s solid batting display and Smith’s imperious century have put them in control, leaving England with a steep challenge as the series finale continues.
Score at Stumps
Australia 518/7 (124 overs), lead by 134 runs
Travis Head-163
Steve Smith -129*
Brydon Carse -3/108
Source: Cricket.com.au
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