Australia vs England Match Highlights & Results

And... breathe. The Ashes 2025/26 score line reads 3-0 in favor of Australia. They have proved once again why they are a side to beat, especially at home. But England can feel much more positive about Melbourne and Sydney after the fight they’ve shown here. They will go back to the drawing board and assess where things went wrong. They did come close this time around, but couldn't win the clutch moments, the way the Aussies did. Well then, both teams will enjoy the Christmas break, but what follows after that is the BOXING DAY TEST. It's going to be pure theatre as the Melbourne Cricket Ground prepares for the fourth and penultimate Test. England cannot win the series, but surely will feel a bit consoled with a 3-2 result. We will be back on Friday, 26th December, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 11.30 pm GMT (the previous day). Until then, take care, stay safe. Cheers!

The victorious captain of Australia, Pat Cummins, beaming with a broad smile, walks up for a chat now. He begins by saying that it wasn't easy, but feels awesome to end up on the right side. Highlights that the last couple of months have been of a lot of grind and they needed to be patient. Points that you cannot really rush things while playing in Australia. It's important to grind in an old-school fashion and says that he loved the toil from all the guys on the field. Adds that it's always about focusing on what they really do as bowlers, and says that they are focused on what they can bring to the table in different conditions. Says that you need more than 11 players in a series. Shares that they have already used 14-15 players so far. Appreciates Marnus Labuschagne for being alert in the slips, and cheekily says that Steve will have to fight with Marnus for a place at the slips. Ends by saying that it was great to see packed crowds on all five days, with two homegrown heroes dominating.

The English skipper, Ben Stokes, says that the dream they arrived with here is gone now, which is tough to take. Adds that everyone in the dressing room is hurting. They came here with a clear goal, but couldn't get it done and it stings but they have to move forward. Mentions that Australia were far more consistent than them in the pressure moments, which was the real difference. Says that they showed great fight, and when Smith and Jacks were batting, they had some hope of pulling out a remarkable chase,  but it wasn't to be. Further adds that they restricted Australia to a par score but couldn't respond in the way they wanted. Then in the second innings, picking up 6 for 60-odd runs showed what they are capable of,  but losing those three wickets late on Day 4 put them on the back foot. However, he has seen enough character from his team which he wanted, despite the result not going their way. Tells that they only have themselves to blame as a unit, and they just were not ruthless enough to challenge the Aussies. Ends by saying that they are not going to just roll over and let the rest of the Ashes drift by, but throw everything in the last two games.

Alex Carey is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant contribution with the bat. He notched up a century in the first inning, and followed it with a crucial 72. He was instrumental behind the stumps as well, with 6 catches in the match and an electric stumping. He starts by saying that it's a great feeling as they knew what was on the line coming into this match. Says that the boys stayed in the present and have chipped in throughout the series so far. Expresses his delight at winning in front of his home crowd. Appreciates the way Travis Head batted, calling it a very special knock. Says scoring four Test hundreds back-to-back at the same venue is just insane and shows how good he has been for them. About his batting, Carey shares that he feels lucky to play a lot of Sheffield Shield cricket on a familiar surface. Also adds that Usman Khawaja played really well at a late notice. Details that having patience and trying to get through some good spells of bowling and picking up the boundaries were important on such a surface. Expresses his happiness of scoring a hundred in front of his family. Adds that when you keep to a really good bowling attack, it gives you a lot of opportunities. Mentions that Nathan Lyon was simply outstanding with the ball on the fourth day. Ends up by thanking the crowd and says it's been a lot of fun.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

But as Stokes stressed at the start of this match about showing a bit of a dog, England refused to surrender. The chase started cautiously, then ignited. Joe Root and Zak Crawley provided stability before Harry Brook launched a counterattack that suddenly made the impossible seem achievable. When Brook fell off an uninspiring shot selection, Will Jacks stepped up, playing with composure beyond his experience. Then came Jamie Smith. Thrown into the furnace in the toughest of theaters, the young wicketkeeper displayed outstanding composure. He didn't fear smashing the new ball against Starc and Cummins, attacking with freedom and forcing Australia onto the back foot. But then came another brainfade moment. Failing to resist the adrenaline, he threw it away with a rash shot just when England needed him most. Jacks and Carse launched another counterattack, with a brisk 52-run stand, only to be broken by a spectacular grab by Marnus Labuschagne off Starc's bowling. Then, the wheels just came off and Australia landed the killer blow to finish things off.

England's decision not to play a specialist spinner looked questionable from the start. They chose to strengthen their batting depth, but on a pitch that spins and bounces in Adelaide's heat, and only got better for spinners as the game progressed, that gamble initially looked costly. Relying so heavily on a part-timer while the pitch was crying out for a proper spinner seemed a tactical misstep. England, though, wrapped up Australia's second innings with surgical precision on Day 4 morning, an inspiring display led by Josh Tongue's four-wicket haul. But the damage seemed done. Travis Head's outstanding 170 and Alex Carey's 72 in a 162-run partnership had exhausted England's bowlers in the heat. With a massive 435-run target set, Australia appeared in complete control.

There was a strange parity in how this match unfolded as England faced nearly identical collapses. They were reduced to 71/4 and looked set for a total disaster before Harry Brook and Ben Stokes stabilized the ship. History repeated itself later in the day when the visitors slumped further to 168/8, but the resilience of the lower order again became the defining theme. Ben Stokes produced a gritty and uncharacteristic defensive knock while Jofra Archer showed genuine batting skill to frustrate the Australian bowlers in the final session before folding on 286.

Adelaide delivered enough drama to fill an entire series. With Steve Smith ruled out at the eleventh hour due to vertigo, Australia turned to the veteran Usman Khawaja to fill the void at number four. It was a makeshift solution that felt like a gamble, but Khawaja played with the poise of a man who never left the side and anchored the innings with a vital 82. The real headline, however, was the incredible rise of Alex Carey. Walking out to the middle with his team reeling at 94/4, Carey played the innings of his life. His emotional century on his home ground was more than just a personal milestone because it dragged Australia from the brink of collapse to a commanding 371. This recovery was fueled by a lower order that refused to fold, with Mitchell Starc adding a punishing 54 to deflate an England attack that struggled to find the knockout blow.

It is now time to hear it from TRAVIS HEAD. He says that when Lyon went down, he thought he might have to step in and get the wickets, but got pumped in his first few overs as he couldn't hit the rough. Adds that Starc has been exceptional so far in this Ashes, with bat and ball. Mentions that he was manifesting finishing the Ashes here in Adelaide, and now he is looking forward to celebrating with the lads. Says that this win belongs to everyone and it is up there with his favourites. Tells that he rates his knock as one of the best ones, and brought out a celebration previously done by Warner. Further adds that he is happy to bat anywhere. Says he was disappointed getting out cheaply a couple of times, but he feels that with the field spread out, he can score quickly. Ends by saying that he is looking forward to the different challenges in Melbourne and Sydney.

Isa Guha has someone to have a chat with. It is MITCHELL STARC first, followed by Head. Starc says that he is pleased with this win. Adds that everyone put in a good effort on a flat wicket. It is another Ashes victory and the atmosphere throughout this game was amazing. Mentions that the pitch didn't offer as much as expected, and the injury to Lyon didn't help them, but they managed to find their way. Tells that the wind was swirling from every direction and it was a proper contest. Further adds that it's a huge blow losing Josh, but Cummins returned, which was nice, and Doggie (Doggett) and Scotty stepped in nicely. Says that it is always good to contribute, he enjoys his batting, but it's a bit tiring as well. Mentions that people joke about their age but experience is crucial. Says that Pat and Andrew have led the group superbly, and the young guys coming in have done pretty well. Ends by saying that the Head-Carey partnership was great to watch, and he doesn't really know how Travis does that time and again.

Pat Cummins hadn't bowled a ball since July, returning from injury wilderness. He looked less like a man out of practice and more like a predator, with surgical precision. Picked up a 4-for in the first innings, then backed it up by a spectacular three-wicket haul in the second. Supporting him was Nathan Lyon, who turned this flat deck into a spinning masterclass. By leapfrogging the great Glenn McGrath to move to sixth on the all-time wicket-takers list, Lyon didn't just claim a record, but he asserted his status as a modern-day great. Add Mitchell Starc, who contributed a rather fluent 54 before with the bat in the first innings, and then unleashed electric pace, with discipline and absolute conviction, ending up with four wickets.

Forget the theories that Australia are over the hill, with several blokes in the twilight of their careers, or that England simply handed them the first two Tests. This performance was a cold reminder of the massive gap in quality between these sides. Even in crushing heat, the Australian bowlers worked as a pack and never let England breathe. While the visitors relied almost entirely on Archer, the home side had an endless supply of weapons in the bowling department. Every bowler took turns testing England's technique and mental strength, and the visitors had no answers. Whatever tactics Australia deployed were executed to near perfection.

AUSTRALIA RETAIN THE ASHES IN JUST 11 DAYS! The Men in Baggy Green are euphoric, with smiles and hugs spreading across the field. Nathan Lyon, watching on crutches at the sidelines, beams with pride as his teammates celebrate this triumph. Things heated up towards the end, and England deserve all the credit for mounting a valiant fight. They made Australia sweat and forced them to work hard for every wicket. The winning margin may be narrower than expected for Australia, but as they have done all series, they found a way to own the clutch moments. England, in contrast, could not. Despite the fight and character shown by the tourists, there is plenty of soul searching ahead for them.

Scott Boland to Josh Tongue, OUT! c Marnus Labuschagne b Scott Boland.OUT! EDGED AND GONE! It's absolute jubilation here at the Adelaide Oval as the Aussies celebrate wildly. Scott Boland lands this on a good length and on the fifth stump line, gets it to shape away as well. Josh Tongue looks to drive it on the up, but without much footwork. It takes the outside edge and flies straight to second slip, where fittingly Marnus Labuschagne takes a sharp catch, his fourth of this innings. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 82 RUNS AND TAKE AN UNASSAILABLE 3-0 LEAD!

Scott Boland to Josh Tongue, No run.Short of a length and around off, Josh Tongue plays well inside the line of it to let it go.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Uppish but safe! Fuller and on middle, angling in. Brydon Carse flicks it aerially and just over mid-wicket for a single.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.Hits the length hard, on off, takes off a bit. Brydon Carse just about gets on top of it and keeps it out off the shoulder of the bat towards point.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.On a length and on off, angling in, Brydon Carse stays back and blocks it out.

STAT - Dismissing Archer was Starc's 750th wicket overall in his international career. The third-highest wicket-taker for Australia across all formats, after the great Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Fuller and on off, Brydon Carse drives it through covers for a run and keeps the strike.

Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, No run.Short of a length and outside off, Brydon Carse flashes at with his blade but misses.

Mitchell Starc to Josh Tongue, 1 run.Fuller and on middle, Josh Tongue flicks it confidently through mid-wicket for a single. 350 up for England!

Josh Tongue is the last man in.

Mitchell Starc to Jofra Archer, OUT! c Jake Weatherald b Mitchell Starc.OUT! FLATLY HIT AND TAKEN! Mitchell Starc delivers once again and roars in delight. That's his 22nd wicket in this Ashes. Simply brilliant stuff. Short delivery, wide outside off. Jofra Archer rides the bounce and cuts it uppishly towards deep backward point. Finds Jake Weatherald to perfection in the deep as the Aussie opener doesn't have to move an inch, just crouches low to his right to gather it. Archer is in disbelief. Barmy Army in complete silence. Jofra Archer departs on 3 (14) and England are 349/9. Australia are just one wicket away from retaining the Ashes.

Mitchell Starc to Jofra Archer, No run.Pretty loose from Archer. Chases the length ball from outside off, tries the square cut away from his body and gets beaten past the outside edge.

Mitchell Starc to Jofra Archer, No run.Hones in on a fullish length, just outside off. Jofra Archer shoulders arms at that.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.BEATEN AGAIN! A lifter from a good length, outside off. Brydon Carse withdraws his bat inside the line as the ball breezes past the outside edge. Carey, as usual, with a sharp take behind. A top over from Boland.

Scott Boland to Jofra Archer, Leg bye.A loud appeal for LBW, but not given! Nip-backer on a short length, angling around the leg stump line. Jofra Archer walks across to nudge that around the corner, but misses. The ball hits him high on the thigh pad and rolls to the leg side, behind square. They cross for a leg bye. Marnus Labuschagne gestures about height and Australia do not review.

Scott Boland to Jofra Archer, No run.PEACH! Around off, seaming away on a length. Jofra Archer plays inside the line to defend, but gets beaten.

Scott Boland to Jofra Archer, No run.Half chance! Lands on the seam and nips away from off. Jofra Archer prods forward to defend with a straight bat, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball eludes Carey's gloves and grazes his right elbow, before dropping short of the gully fielder.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Shortish delivery, outside off, tapped off the back foot to the left of extra cover for a quick single.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.Tries the big-booming drive on the up on this length ball, but gets a thick inside edge past the leg stump. Carey runs to his left and stops it.

Mitchell Starc to Jofra Archer, No run.Scorching pace of 147 kph, short and angling down leg. Archer ducks under it.

Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Bangs it halfway down the strip. Angles it onto the leg stump. Carse rides this rib-tickler well, hops off and keeps it down the ground through backward square leg for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, No run.At 143 kph, this is full and aimed at the sticks. Brydon Carse gets a bit across and stabs it to the right of the bowler.

Mitchell Starc to Jofra Archer, 1 run.Short of a good length, outside off, steered away through backward point for a single. England need 89 runs to win now.

Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Around off, on a good length, nibbling away. Brydon Carse dabs it towards backward point for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, No run.Pace and bounce! Searing in at 145.6 kph, Starc hammers it into the pitch, outside off. Brydon Carse pushes at the delivery, but the ball kicks up and flies past the edge.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Back of a length, outside off, squares Carse up totally. He tries to defend, and the ball goes off the splice towards the point region for a single.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, Four!EDGED, DROPPED AND FOUR! Outside off, on a hard length. Brydon Carse plays away from his body without any footwork, and gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes at pace, flat to the left of Cameron Green at second slip. He dives to his left, extends his left hand out, but the ball deflects off his fingers and races behind to the deep third fence, beating Marnus' chase from the first slip. That flew towards Green and he had very little time to react to that one. Good try though.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.Cuts back in, as the Victorian threatens the pads, on a length. Carse brings the bat across the pad and blocks it to the leg side.

Scott Boland to Jofra Archer, 1 run.Pitched fuller, just outside off, Jofra Archer strides forward and steers it through backward point for a single.

Scott Boland to Jofra Archer, No run.Tight lines! In the channel, straightening off the deck. Beats Jofra's back foot defence as he plays inside the line.

Scott Boland to Jofra Archer, No run.A spitting cobra, on top of off. Jofra Archer hangs back and defends it well.

That dismissal of Will Jacks was the 50th wicket for Mitchell Starc in Tests in 2025. He has had an incredible year, and we still have the 'Boxing Day' Test to go.

Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, No run.Edged, lands just short of Marnus! Nips away from off, on a good length, with extra bounce. Brydon Carse pushes at the delivery, does go with soft hands, and hence, the outside edge lands short and to the left of the diving Marnus Labuschagne from first slip.

Mitchell Starc to Jofra Archer, 1 run.Slammed hard onto the pitch, outside off, square cut off the back foot to deep backward point for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Jofra Archer, No run.Short and outside off, left alone.

Mitchell Starc to Jofra Archer, No run.BEATEN! Zipped through! Back of a length, seams away from off, Jofra Archer hangs the bat loosely away from his body and gets beaten past the outside edge by a kitten-whisker. Spicy stuff from Starc.

Jofra Archer comes out to the middle now. All the recognised batters are gone now. Archer scored his maiden Test fifty in the first innings, and he has to do something similar to get his side over the line here.

Mitchell Starc to Will Jacks, OUT! c Marnus Labuschagne b Mitchell Starc.OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Midas touch? Nope. It's the Marnus touch once again. A top-shelf stuff from him and it is Starc once again with a breakthrough. Pitched fuller and just around the off pole, with a bit of nibble away after kissing the deck. Will Jacks goes on the drive with hard hands, has a waft at it, only to nick it behind. Now, the ball is going flat and low, between the keeper and Marnus at first slip. Carey dives to his right, Marnus to his left, a bit ahead of the keeper and sticks out his left hand to take a stunner one-handed. Will Jacks is very disappointed with himself and walks back on 47 (137). England are 337/8, needing 98 runs to win. 2 wickets in hand.

Mitchell Starc to Will Jacks, No run.From around the stumps, this is full and angling in and around off. Will Jacks strides forward and blocks it to point.

The landing area needs flattening up again, and the ground staff comes in with the hammer. Mitchell Starc is having a close look and seems like he is happy to go. He replaces Travis Head. England have brought down the target within double-digits, and it is going to be edge-of-the-seat stuff here in Adelaide.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, Four!FOUR! That's a real loosener! Down leg, on a fullish length. Brydon Carse gets inside the line, uses the pace, and just helps it behind to deep fine leg for a boundary. England keep fighting hard as they need 98 runs now. This brings up the 50-run partnership as well.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.Just outside off, on a slightly shorter length. Kept out to the off side.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.BEATEN! Tight line and length from him. In the channel of off, goes away off the pitch, drawing Carse for a front foot defence. Beats the outside edge by a whisker. Carey collects the ball behind the stumps and whips the bails off in a flash, with Carse's feet grounded inside the crease.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.Short of a good length, around off. Brydon Carse hangs back and punches it to short cover.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.Kicks up on a good length, on off, Brydon Carse steers it off the splice toward backward point.

Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, No run.Squares him up! Hard length, zips off the deck and nips away from off. Brydon Carse is beaten all ends p on the back foot. Carey collects it well as he is up to the wickets.

Three overs and done for Pat Cummins for now. He brings Scott Boland (14-5-23-0) back into the attack. Also, Alex Carey is standing up to the stumps.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Leans on the fuller ball and drills that down to long off for a single.

Travis Head to Will Jacks, 1 run.Outside off, full in length. Will Jacks drives it to deep cover for a single.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Overpitched around off, Carse carves it to long off for a single.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, No run.On a length, on the leg stump, nudged off the back foot to short leg.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, No run.Full outside off, pushed to cover.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, Six!SIX! Sails all the way! Flat and full from Head, on middle and leg. Brydon Carse sits across and sweeps it aerially and clears deep square leg for a six.

Pat Cummins to Will Jacks, No run.Brings the angle back into the batter, on a hard length. Will Jacks tucks it to the leg side.

Pat Cummins to Will Jacks, No run.Full and around off. A lovely looking front foot drive from Jacks, towards the left of mid off. A slight fumble in the field there, but no run taken.

Pat Cummins to Will Jacks, No run.Length-delivery, on off, Jacks blocks off the back foot.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, 3 Leg byes.On a good length, jagging back in a long way, on middle and leg. Brydon Carse is rushed on the back foot and tries to keep it out, but plays over it. Gets pinged on the back thigh pad and Carey gets a bit wrong-footed. Then dives to his right, but the ball evades him and runs behind to the deep third region. Three leg byes.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, No run.Nasty from the skipper! Straightaway, Cummins says that he wants someone under the lids. Well-directed short ball, on top of the stumps. Brydon Carse arches back as the ball zips through to the keeper.

STAT - This is now the fourth-highest fourth innings total in Tests at the Adelaide Oval.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, No run.Spits up from a good length, on top of off. Brydon Carse is taken by a bit of surprise. Bottom hand comes off the handle, and it is blocked off the splice.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Turns in on the leg stump line, on a length. Brydon Carse goes back and across and nudges it wide of mid on for a single. Four singles off the over. England need 114 runs to win.

Travis Head to Will Jacks, 1 run.Slower through the air, short and around off. Will Jacks hangs deep inside the crease and knocks it down to long off for another single.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Seeing Carse dancing down the track, Head darts one on a fuller length, on middle. This is drilled down to long on for one.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, No run.Flatter and fuller, on off. Brydon Carse takes a giant stride forward and defends.

Travis Head to Will Jacks, 1 run.Overpitched on middle, Jacks plays with the spin to long on for a single.

Travis Head to Will Jacks, No run.On a length, on off, blocked off.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, No run.Safely negotiated. Full and outside off, defended well to the off side.

It is very windy out there. A couple of balls ago, it took out umpire Nitin Menon's hat. Maybe that's why he lost a bit of focus, as the previous LBW call was clearly missing the leg stump.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, No run.Smart review from Carse! Cummins shoots in a fuller-length delivery, attacking the pads. Brydon Carse tries to flick but plays all over it and gets rapped on the front pad. A massive appeal from Cummins as he goes down on his knee, pleading to the umpire, and Nitin Menon obliges. Brydon Carse has taken a review straightaway. No bat involved, says the third umpire. But hang on, the Ball Tracking shows the ball is projected to miss the leg stump, by a big margin. The on-field decision is overturned. That brings about a huge cheer from the Barmy Army.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, No run.Fires it in, full and on off, Brydon Carse responds with a solid front foot block to the off side.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, No run.Nips in from a length, on the leg stump line. Safely negotiated by Carse as he nudges it to the mid-wicket region.

Pat Cummins to Will Jacks, 1 run.Honing in on the pads, full in length. Will Jacks tries to flick and gets a thick inside edge onto the front pad. The ball deflects away to deep square leg for a single.

Pat Cummins to Will Jacks, No run.Fuller ball, on the fourth stump. Will Jacks solidly blocks it to point.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, No run.Dished wide outside off, on a length. Brydon Carse covers the stumps by shuffling and offers no shot.

Travis Head to Will Jacks, 1 run.Shortish delivery, on leg, Jacks stands tall and punches it down to long on for a single.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Overpitched delivery, on off, Brydon Carse carves it to sweeper cover for a single.

Travis Head to Brydon Carse, No run.Spins in from off, on a tad fuller length. Defended straight off the front foot.

Travis Head to Will Jacks, 1 run.Flat and full, outside off, pushed gently through cover for a single. This is Jacks' highest Test score now.

Travis Head to Will Jacks, No run.Fuller and outside off, Jacks strides across and defends it out.

Travis Head to bowl some offies from the other end.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, No run.Hammers it short and angling down leg. Brydon Carse safely ducks underneath it.

Pat Cummins to Will Jacks, 1 run.Touch full and on off, Will Jacks defends off the inner half of the bat and the ball rolls to mid-wicket for a single.

Pat Cummins to Will Jacks, 2 runs.Good running! Every single run will be cheered now by the Barmy Army. Full and on middle and leg. Will Jacks flicks off the pads to deep backward square leg. Mitchell Starc moves to his left and cuts it off. Two taken.

Pat Cummins to Will Jacks, No run.Slants back in on a length, on off. Will Jacks is rushed on the back foot and stabs it down the pitch.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, 1 run.Hard length, outside off, Brydon Carse steers it away to deep backward point for a single.

Pat Cummins to Brydon Carse, No run.Spears it fuller and on off, Brydon Carse drills it straight back to the bowler.