The 2025 Ashes series took a dramatic and potentially decisive turn on the third day in Adelaide, as England's batting order crumbled under intense Australian pressure, leaving their hopes of retaining the urn dangling by the thinnest of threads.
England's Batting Collapse Proves Costly
Resuming their first innings on a precarious 108 for 4, England's ambitions of building a substantial total were swiftly dismantled by a relentless Australian attack. The tourists lost their final six wickets for a mere 74 runs, bundled out for 182 just after the lunch interval. This gave Australia a commanding and potentially match-defining first-innings lead of 143 runs.
The damage was inflicted across the bowling unit. Captain Pat Cummins led from the front, while the pace of Mitchell Starc and the probing lines of Josh Hazlewood proved too much for the English middle and lower order. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith offered brief resistance with a gritty 33, but lacked consistent support from the tail.
Australia Seizes Control of the Match
With a massive lead in hand, Australian openers Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith began their second innings with clear intent to bat England out of the game. The pair navigated a tricky period before tea, steadily extending the host's advantage. By the close of play, Australia had reached 89 for 1, swelling their overall lead to a formidable 232 runs.
England's sole breakthrough came via the veteran seam bowler James Anderson, who trapped Khawaja lbw for 37. However, Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 41, looking ominously settled alongside Marnus Labuschagne, who was 8 not out. The prospect of England chasing a target in excess of 350 on a wearing Adelaide pitch appears a Herculean task.
What This Means for the Ashes Series
The situation presents a grave challenge for England and captain Ben Stokes. After a promising start to the series, this dramatic reversal in Adelaide places them on the brink of falling 2-0 behind with three Tests to play. History is firmly against them; no England side has ever come back from such a deficit to win an Ashes series in Australia.
The fourth day's play will be critical. England's bowlers must produce an early flurry of wickets to restrict Australia's lead and provide their batsmen with a remotely achievable target. Failing that, the destination of the Ashes urn could be decided before the teams reach the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
For Australia, the equation is simple: bat once, bat big, and then unleash their potent attack on a demoralised English batting line-up. The momentum of the entire series now resides firmly in the baggy green camp.
