Ashes 2025-26: Australia completed a dominant 82-run victory over England in the third Test at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, securing the Ashes series with a 3-0 lead and two Tests still to play. England fought bravely on the final day, reducing a deficit of 228 to within 84 runs of what could have been one of cricket’s greatest run chases. However, the hosts outplayed them throughout the series, claiming the urn in convincing fashion.
“They never come easy,” said Marnus Labuschagne after the win. “It just felt like everything stuck.”
AUS vs ENG Ashes 3rd Test: Day 5 Drama at Adelaide
The final wicket fell midway through the middle session, with Scott Boland taking the catch to seal the 82-run win. England’s strong batting on the last day brought the margin closer than expected, but critical mistakes, including Jamie Smith throwing his wicket away, allowed Australia to maintain control. Labuschagne took a stunning catch to put the hosts within reach, and Australia finished the job with style.
Commentator James Brayshaw said, “They’ve retained the Ashes and they’ve done a demolition job on England in the process!”
Australia Retains Ashes In Just 11 Days
Australia dominated from the start, winning the first two Tests in Perth and Brisbane by eight wickets each. In total, it took just 11 days of cricket for Australia to secure the series, matching Steve Waugh’s record from the 2001 and 2002-03 campaigns. This victory continues Australia’s hold on the Ashes, which they regained from England in 2017-18 and have barely looked like losing since.
The team retained the urn with a 2-2 draw in 2019, a 4-0 sweep in 2021-22, and maintained dominance in England in 2023, with rain-affected results. This summer’s success ensures Australia will hold the Ashes until at least 2027.
England’s Struggles Continue
England’s woes in Australia persist. It has now been 5,462 days since England last won a Test down under, dating back to January 2011. Recent series results in Australia including scores of 5-0, 5-0, 4-0, 4-0 show the continuing dominance of the home side.
Notably, Australia’s success this summer came despite missing key players like Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, highlighting the depth and strength of the Australian squad.
