Travis Head’s explosive 163 and Steve Smith’s unbeaten 129 propelled Australia to a dominant 134-run lead over England by stumps on day three of the final Ashes Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Hosts reached 518-7 replying to England’s 384. Already 3-1 up and urn secured, Australia eyes a series whitewash; England seeks consolation.
Standout Performances
- Head’s 3rd series ton (12th overall, 1st at SCG): 105 balls; lbw to debutant Jacob Bethell’s part-time spin post-lunch (dropped on 121).
- Smith’s 37th Test 100 (13th in Ashes, past Jack Hobbs): Smashed Bethell for six; elegant amid chaos.
- Support: Beau Webster 42*; Usman Khawaja (88th/final Test) 17, Alex Carey 16, Michael Neser 24, Cameron Green 37.
Smith to Fox Sports: “Nice surface. Head’s fireworks let me settle—went well.”
Bethell: “Real Test cricket: grind. Grab 3 quickies tomorrow.”
Resuming on 91*, Head blazed boundaries (17 fours); Neser stonewalled 90 balls (4×4). Khawaja/Carey/Green fell to Brydon Carse/Tongue; England burned reviews.
Series context: Head owns opener spot post-Khawaja injury; Smith’s ton cements legacy (trails only Bradman’s 19 Ashes 100s).
England must strike early day 4.
