Ashes 2025-26: Travis Head’s Blistering 163 and Steve Smith’s Unbeaten 129 Put Australia in Command on Day 3 of Sydney Test
Sydney, January 6, 2026 – Australia tightened their grip on the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, reaching 518 for 7 at stumps on day three, securing a commanding 134-run lead over England’s first-innings total of 384. Travis Head’s explosive 163 and captain Steve Smith’s resolute unbeaten 129 were the highlights, as the hosts eye a 4-1 series victory in this dead rubber.
Head’s Aggressive Mastery Lights Up Pink Test
Resuming on 166-2, Australia wasted no time in asserting dominance. Opener Travis Head, who has been England’s tormentor throughout the series, raced to his third century of the Ashes – his first while opening the batting. The left-hander smashed 163 off just 166 balls, laced with 24 fours and one six, punishing England’s bowlers in the morning session.
Head survived multiple drops, including a costly one by Will Jacks when on 121, but his aggressive strokeplay overwhelmed the visitors. He became the first batter since Steve Smith in 2019 to surpass 600 runs in an Ashes series, underscoring his sensational form after promotions to the top order.
Head’s dismissal – lbw to part-time spinner Jacob Bethell shortly after lunch – provided England brief respite, but the damage was done.
Steve Smith Anchors with 37th Test Century
Stand-in captain Steve Smith played the perfect foil, reaching his 37th Test century and 13th against England in typical quirky fashion. Unbeaten on 129 off 205 balls (15 fours, one six), Smith shuffled, drove, and accumulated relentlessly, overtaking England’s Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history behind only Don Bradman.
Smith shared crucial partnerships, including with debutant Beau Webster (42 not out), who provided solid support late in the day. Earlier contributions from nightwatchman Michael Neser (24) and others helped Australia erase England’s lead and build substantially.
A light-hearted moment came when Smith cheekily advised England’s Brydon Carse to adjust his sunglasses during play, adding to the day’s entertainment on Pink Day in support of the Jane McGrath Foundation.
England’s Fightback Falls Short
England fought back in the final session, claiming a few wickets with the new ball, but dropped catches and wayward bowling earlier proved costly. Captain Ben Stokes’ side now faces an uphill battle on day four, needing quick breakthroughs to restrict Australia’s lead and keep hopes of avoiding a heavy defeat alive.
With the series already secured 3-1, Australia are poised to end on a high note, while England look to salvage pride in the remaining days.
Stumps Day 3: Australia 518/7 (Steve Smith 129, Beau Webster 42; Lead by 134 runs)**
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