Overview
- Australia closed day three on 271 for 4, leading by 356, with Head 142 not out and Alex Carey 52 not out after a 122-run stand.
- England were earlier bowled out for 286 as Ben Stokes made 83 and Jofra Archer hit a career‑best 51 in a ninth‑wicket partnership worth 106.
- Australia lead the series 2-0 and will retain the Ashes with a win or draw in Adelaide, leaving England’s hopes of a comeback fading fast.
- Pat Cummins’ return has yielded 3 for 54 and Nathan Lyon has moved past Glenn McGrath’s wicket tally, while Archer claimed 5 for 53 in Australia’s first innings.
- Snicko/DRS reliability remains under scrutiny after admitted operator error on day one and further contentious calls on day two during extreme heat near 40°C.