Third Ashes Test: Australia vs. England (Adelaide Oval, December 17-21, 2025)
This match is the third Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series, played at Adelaide Oval. On December 17, 2025, the first day concluded with Australia holding a 326-8 record after winning the coin toss and choosing to bat on a good pitch in hot conditions.
Series Context
Australia entered this Test with a 2-0 lead, having won:
The first Test in Perth by 8 wickets.
The second (day-night) Test in Brisbane by 8 wickets.
England must win all three remaining Tests to reclaim the Ashes; Australia only needs to avoid defeat in one to retain them.
Australia delivered the day’s decisive performance: a counterattack of 106 (their first century in the Ashes and third in the Tests overall). After a collapse, they rescued Australia from a tight spot in front of their home crowd. The entry held deep personal significance, as Carey dedicated it to his father, who had recently passed away in September—a poignant moment amidst the intensity.
Jofra Archer led England’s attack impressively with figures close to 3-29, capitalizing on poor shots to reduce the score to 94-4 for Australia after lunch and silencing pre-match critics with his pace and enthusiasm.
A record attendance of 56,298 fans, the largest ever for a game day at Adelaide Oval, created an electrifying atmosphere.
Impact
Personal and team boost for Australia: Carey’s 100 points turned a potentially mediocre total into a competitive one, demonstrating resilience and depth (evidenced by the successful inclusion of Khawaja in the final minute).
Pressure on England: Despite periods of control, they allowed partnerships to develop, highlighting the ongoing difficulties in this series against Australia’s aggressive batting.
Momentum on the series: Reinforces Australia’s dominance in a fast-paced, high-scoring match so far.
Australia is well-positioned to achieve a grand total in the first innings (potentially over 400), which would force England into a fierce chase or leave them trailing.
A win in this match would put Australia 3-0 up, effectively securing the Ashes with two Tests remaining.
For England, failing to attack early on the second day could make a comeback in the series almost impossible, raising questions about their strategy in Australian conditions.
Overall impact: Highlights the strength of the Australian team and Carey’s growing importance as a savior in the lower categories.
This was an absorbing and dynamic day of Test cricket, chaotic at times, with Australia giving away wickets before Carey’s brilliance turned the tide.
The series continues at its entertaining and relentless pace, but Australia remains in control. While the outcome of the match is still to be decided (days 2-5 remaining), the first day underscores Australia’s advantage and the monumental task facing England to turn things around. Carey’s emotional triumph remains an enduring image, combining personal history with impact on the field.
