NEW DELHI: Danger man Travis Head smashed his fourth century in as many Tests at the Adelaide Oval on Friday as Australia surged to a commanding 356-run lead over England, moving to the brink of retaining the Ashes. The hosts reached 271 for 4 at stumps on day three of the third Test, with Head unbeaten on 142 and first-innings centurion Alex Carey on 52*, effectively putting the five-match series beyond England’s grasp.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!England must win the match after suffering heavy defeats inside two days in Perth and inside four days in Brisbane, both by eight wickets. However, the task appears monumental, with the highest successful run chase at the venue being 316, achieved by Australia against England back in 1902.
Head’s crucial 11th Test hundred came off a composed 146 balls, though he almost fell short after being dropped on 99 by Harry Brook. He has now struck centuries in four consecutive Tests at his home ground, following knocks of 140 against India last year and 119 and 175 against the West Indies.Australia had an early wobble in a tense passage before lunch after England were bowled out for 286, led by Ben Stokes’ gritty 83 in reply to Australia’s first-innings total of 371. Bryson Carse trapped Jake Weatherald lbw for one, with the batter walking without a review despite replays suggesting the ball pitched outside leg stump.That moment briefly lifted England, but Head shut the door after the interval, peppering the boundary with cuts and chops. Marnus Labuschagne departed for 13, edging Josh Tongue to Brook at slip, while Usman Khawaja, fresh from a defiant first-innings 82, fell for 40, caught behind off Will Jacks. Cameron Green followed soon after for seven.After negotiating the nervous 90s, Head reached his century with a four off Joe Root, removing his helmet to kiss the turf before celebrating. Though not as explosive as his 69-ball ton in Perth, it was a vital innings, well supported by Carey.Gutsy Stokes After a poor batting display on Thursday, Stokes and Jofra Archer revived England with a fighting 106-run stand for the ninth wicket. Resuming at 213 for 8, Stokes battled cramps and dehydration to bring up his slowest Test fifty, off 159 balls, before being bowled by Mitchell Starc with the new ball.Archer provided admirable support and was the last man out for 51, his maiden Test half-century, caught by Labuschagne off Scott Boland. Boland finished with 3 for 45, while Pat Cummins claimed 3 for 69 on his return to Test cricket.England’s troubles began earlier when Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope fell in a rapid burst, with only Harry Brook’s 45 offering brief resistance as Australia’s attack kept relentless pressure.
About the Author
