Australia Retain Ashes After Starc Seals Dramatic Win in Third Test

Australia retained the Ashes with two matches to spare, defeating England by 82 runs in a tense finish to the third Test at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday to take an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series.

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc was the decisive figure on Day 5, claiming three of the last four wickets to halt England’s spirited fightback. Australia began the final day needing four wickets, with England resuming at 207 for 6, still 228 runs short of an imposing target of 435.

Despite resistance — including a determined 60 from Jamie Smith — England fell short. Starc removed Smith in the morning session and later returned to clean up the tail, even as Australia were hampered by Nathan Lyon’s hamstring injury.

Australia captain Pat Cummins, who returned after missing the first two Tests due to a back issue, praised his team’s persistence.

“Feels pretty awesome. We got it done,” Cummins said.
“You can’t rush things here in Australia. It’s a good old-fashioned grind.”

Cummins’ side had earlier been led by Steve Smith to two eight-wicket victories before Smith was ruled out of the third Test just before the toss due to vertigo.

England’s chase briefly reignited belief, with 102 runs added in the morning session, narrowing the equation to three wickets for Australia and 126 runs for England at lunch. However, no team has ever chased more than 418 to win a Test in the fourth innings.

England captain Ben Stokes admitted the loss was painful but found positives in his team’s resilience.

“This is going to hurt quite a bit,” Stokes said.
“That dream we came here with is now over, but we’ve got two more Tests to go.”

Bazball Under Fire

The defeat triggered widespread criticism of “Bazball”, England’s ultra-aggressive approach under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, with fans and pundits questioning its effectiveness in Australian conditions.

What’s Next

• 4th Test: Melbourne, Boxing Day (Dec. 26)

• 5th Test: Sydney, New Year

Australia will now look to complete a dominant series whitewash, while England aim to salvage pride in the final two matches.