England are staring at a humiliating Ashes series defeat after Australian batsman Travis Head scored a dominant, unbeaten century on day three in Adelaide, putting the hosts within touching distance of an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Head's Heroics Leave England Reeling
Travis Head, the accidental opener who volunteered for the role in Perth, compiled a magnificent 142 not out at his home ground. His second hundred of the series guided Australia to 271 for four by stumps, extending their overall lead to a mammoth 356 runs. England now face a record-breaking chase, far surpassing their famous 362 at Headingley in 2019 or their best-ever pursuit of 332 in Australia.
Stokes' Valiant Fight Fades as Attack Withers
The day had begun with a flicker of hope for the tourists. Captain Ben Stokes, battling fatigue and cramp from his marathon first-innings effort, added 73 for the final two wickets with Jofra Archer. Stokes ground out a dogged 83 from 198 balls, while Archer scored a maiden Test fifty. Their efforts limited the first-innings deficit to 85.
That hope was briefly amplified when Brydon Carse struck early, removing Jake Weatherald lbw. However, Head's counter-attacking knock, featuring 13 fours and two sixes, swiftly snuffed out England's momentum. The tourists' resources were stretched thin, with a fatigued Stokes unable to bowl a single over and Archer used sparingly. Spinner Will Jacks proved expensive, conceding 107 runs from 19 overs.
Dropped Chance and Inevitable March to Victory
Head did offer one life on 99, when a tough slash was put down by Harry Brook in the gully. He brought up his century soon after by launching Joe Root for six, celebrating by kissing the Adelaide turf. The final session was a procession as Head and Alex Carey (in an unbroken 122-run stand) milked a tired and flat England attack.
England must now battle to avoid the ignominy of losing the Ashes series in just 10 days of competitive cricket, which would beat the record set by Nasser Hussain's side in 2002-03. While Stokes' presence always offers a glimmer of hope, his physical condition and the team's depleted bowling stocks present a monumental challenge to avoid a crushing series defeat.
