Australia retain the Ashes in Adelaide, thrash England by 82 runs in third Test

Australia needed one last push, and they found it emphatically in Adelaide to officially retain the Ashes. On a dramatic Day 5, Mitchell Starc tore through England’s resistance as the visitors were bowled out for 352, handing the hosts an 82-run win and sealing the series at 3-0.

The final day had all the elements of a classic Test finish. Rain delays slowed the morning, and Australia were briefly unsettled when veteran spinner Nathan Lyon limped off with a hamstring injury. But even that moment of concern failed to shift the momentum.

Chasing a daunting 435, England showed flickers of fight. Will Jacks and Brydon Carse stitched together a gritty eighth-wicket stand that briefly raised hopes, dragging the target below 100 with time still on the clock. For a moment, belief crept in.

Then came the decisive blow. Pat Cummins handed the ball to Starc, and the left-armer delivered a beauty that took the edge of Jack’s bat. Marnus Labuschagne, once again alert in the cordon, pulled off a stunning catch to rip the heart out of England’s chase and ignite the Adelaide crowd.

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From there, Australia were relentless. Starc dismantled Jofra Archer to expose the tail, and Scott Boland soon finished the job. Fittingly, Labuschagne was involved yet again as the final wicket fell, capping a superb performance in the field.

Australia’s control throughout the Test was built on discipline, depth and sharp catching at key moments. Labuschagne’s presence proved crucial, while Starc’s late burst ensured there would be no late escape.

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Captain Pat Cummins summed it up as a hard-earned grind, admitting the finish got “a little bit closer” than he liked, but praising the effort from his side.

Player of the match

Alex Carey was named Player of the Match after a standout all-round display, highlighted by a home-ground century, a crucial second-innings fifty, and seven dismissals behind the stumps.

Ashes retained. Series decided. Australia march on with confidence, while England are left searching for answers once again.