Steve Smith and Travis Head hit tons for Australia as England wilt in Sydney - clips, reaction & report

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The fifth and final NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes Test of the series was well poised at the start of play on the third morning. The session before lunch belonged to Australia, as they lost just one wicket - nightwatcher Michael Neser - and Travis Head powered past 150. Steve Smith then led Australia into a big lead. Watch every ball of the Ashes live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Highlights: England toil as Smith and Australia make hay in Sydney

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Australia in charge at the end of Day 3 in Sydney

Australia batted themselves into a commanding first innings lead in the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, finishing the day on 518-7 to lead England by 134 runs.

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England were made to toil in the field for the entire day, and while they did pick up some wickets, the dangerous Steve Smith remains at the crease and is well set to kick on and build Australia’s lead when play resumes tomorrow.

To make matters worse for the tourists, a number of catches were shelled in the field to add to their growing woes as they seek some consolation from what has been a torrid Ashes campaign.

"This was the day England have been dreading, a really tough day," Justin Langer said afterwards, and it is hard to disagree.

Day 3 began with Australia on 166-2 and the dangerous Head still at the crease, the opener making quick work of bagging yet another Ashes century.

"Just another masterclass really from a guy who has dominated the Ashes," Alastair Cook said of the makeshift Australian opener.

'It's his world and everybody else is just living in it' - Head passes 150 mark

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"What is mad about this story, in the previous 18 knocks coming up to the Ashes, he didn’t get one 40. And yet he has been the thorn in England’s side - he’s been absolutely superb, he has not allowed an England bowler to settle."

Head was dropped by Will Jacks on the boundary when he had 121 to his name, in what proved a calamitous start to the day for the tourists.

Although nightwatcher Michael Neser was finally removed, Smith then came to the crease with the clear intention of digging in - and the Australian captain did just that.

Head eventually departed for 163 from 166 balls when he missed one from Jacob Bethell attempting to sweep the part-time spinner. But he had very much grabbed the momentum from England and set the tone for the Australian innings.

With the hosts still trailing by 96 runs at the time, there could have been half a chance for England to wrest back some control - but instead Smith very much made sure the impetus stayed with the home side on a day when the stands were bedecked with pink-clad fans for the McGrath Foundation.

Usman Khawaja went for 17 in what could be his final innings for Australia, while Alex Carey was caught down leg for 16.

'Dangerous' Carey gone for 16 as England gain momentum

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But Smith carried Australia past England’s first innings total just after tea, before bedding in for the long haul as Cameron Green ably supported his skipper.

Australia might have wobbled when the all-rounder inexplicably sent one down the throat of Ben Duckett for 37 when the hosts were in total control on a pitch that was not offering too much - Brydon Carse picking up the much-needed wicket.

But Smith showed no concern whatsoever, moving to his 13th Ashes century and 37th overall with a trademark nudge down to the boundary for three.

"It was nice batting out there, it is a pretty good wicket," Smith explained afterwards.

"Nice to come off the back of a good innings by Head. When you are batting with him, they forget about you a little bit with the way he is batting at the minute. So I was able to get into it."

The Australian captain was displaying his usual range of quirks at the crease, hitting the dirt avoiding bouncers, complaining about the crowd moving and having a few things to say to the opposition as well.

England suffer as Smith brings up 37th Test century - 'Leading from the front'

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Like Head before him, he had been gifted a chance when Zak Crawley failed to take a tricky opportunity with the Australian captain on just 14.

But when England started to wilt after a long day in the field, Smith more than took advantage, pulling a six off the bowling of Bethell, with boundaries also flying as Matthew Potts took some punishment.

The Australian captain ended the day unbeaten on 129, with Beau Webster on 42 not out. Those two look well set to extend Australia’s lead into the fourth day, as England stare down a hefty first innings' deficit.

"Hopefully we can put a little partnership together in the morning, get up to a lead of over 200 and then the wicket might start to do a little bit," Smith concluded, as his side took control on another tough day for England down under.

The day England were 'dreading'

"This has been the day England have been dreading, it has been a really tough day," said Langer at the close of play. "It has been Smith’s day, but he has had guys go with him. That is why Australia are on top at the moment."

"They have made England pay later in the day. It has been the Steve Smith show. He is such a strange batsman to watch as he is so unusual, but he is so good at finding gaps," added Cook.

"We haven't even spoken about Head's hundred yet. When England started with the new ball, boundary after boundary, it just released all pressure. That is the difference in the series for me, the relentless nature of Australia’s bowling," Langer continued.

"Stokes bowled beautifully today, and I would have loved to see him take the new ball. It must frustrate him, like it did for Joe Root, that guys are not going with him."

As for Swann, understandably he is left wondering what might have happened had England selected a front line spinner.

"518-7, we said on Day 1 it looked like a feather-bed. We changed our minds on Day 2, but this is a cracking wicket.

"When Jacks came on, there was proper turn out of the foot holes. You have to think what would happen if there was a front line spinner. I think England would be batting again."

Time to hear from Bethell

"Enjoyed it, bowled a bit more than I imagined I would. But it was nice to get the wicket of Head today," Bethell told TNT Sports.

"[Smith] doesn’t move as much to spin, but I definitely see him move in to the seamers and it is like, where do you aim?!

"The way he goes about it, it looks weird but the fundamentals of it are good."

As for the pitch, Bethell confirmed there is not too much in it for the bowlers yet.

"There’s not really any [cracks] that are in play really. I can’t see anything yet that is going to affect things. If it could hold while we are batting and then break up…

"It is fun to be back in the side. That was a long day, but a good day."

Smith gives his verdict after another emphatic century

"It was nice batting out there, it is a pretty good wicket. Nice to come off the back off a good innings by Travis Head. When you are batting with him, they forget about you a little bit with the way he is batting at the minute. So I was able to get into it," the Australian stand in captain explained.

"They came with a few plans, with the short stuff for a bit, and I was just trying to get out of the way.

"Hopefully we can put a little partnership together in the morning, get up to a lead of over 200 and then the wicket might start to do a little bit.

"I just love batting here. Obviously, it is my home deck, I know it really well, and I just love playing here in front of this crowd."

Smith finished unbeaten on 129 from 205 balls, ably supported by Webster late on who will return tomorrow on 42.

Hosts dominate Day 3

Australia took control of the fifth and final Test of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series, as Travis Head and Steve Smith made commanding centuries on Jane McGrath Day.

Head reinforced his position as the leading run-scorer in the 2025/26 Ashes with a brilliant ton, while Smith passed three figures for the first time in the series as Australia built up a lead of 134 at stumps on Day 3 at the SCG.

England had a torrid first session, with four catches going down and a missed run-out opportunity, as Australia powered on.

Head, who benefited from two drops from Will Jacks - one of which was a shocker - pressed on to make his third century of the series.

Nightwatcher Michael Neser was the only wicket to fall in the morning session, with Brydon Carse having him caught behind after he had frustrated the England attack for 90 balls.

Head departed soon after lunch to the part-time spin of Jacob Bethell for a brilliant 163.

Usman Khawaja moved easily to 17 before some sharp inswing from Brydon Carse trapped him LBW in what is the Australia batter's last match in Test cricket, while Alex Carey fell to Josh Tongue’s leg-slip plan.

Smith looked untroubled through the afternoon and - alongside Cameron Green - eroded the deficit to take Australia into the lead.

Green strode to the crease with his place under threat. He looked good in making 37, but made a hash of pulling a short ball and became Carse’s third victim.

Smith, after missing arguably the best batting track of the Ashes at Adelaide due to vertigo, cashed in late in the day as England's bowlers toiled, bringing up the 37th century of his Test career to push Australia on.

Beau Webster came in for his first appearance of the series and batted with authority, as he and Smith took Australia to 518-7 at stumps.

Australia 518-7 (Smith 129, Webster 42) Overs: 124

Jacks to bowl the last over of the day. Webster steers the first ball away for two, and there is a brief bit of shouting before the batters opt out of a third run.

Stokes has put a few men round the bat here, with some chirping going on as the England players try to create some late pressure.

Bethell, Duckett and Brook are the men in close, as Webster gets one through the ring for two more.

And with that, the players head off at the end of the third day of the fifth Ashes Test. Australia lead by 134 runs.

Australia 514-7 (Smith 129, Webster 38) Overs: 123

No late bowling change just yet, Tongue opening up what is likely his last over with two dot balls. Webster fends off the third ball and debates a run, but is told no firmly by his captain. These two both want to get to the close here.

A full toss is driven by Webster down the ground, poor Potts the man to chase it down to the boundary. Australia run three, bringing Smith back onto strike. The captain plays the next one with soft hands as Tongue finds the edge but it lands safe. A block to end the over, with the lead at 130 runs.

Australia 511-7 (Smith 129, Webster 35) Overs: 122

Jacks again from the other end, as the shadows start to lengthen over the pitch with stumps less than ten minutes away.

But Jacks coughs up some filth, and Webster swats that one to the boundary. He then dances down the pitch to smother the next ball, playing well in his supporting role late on here.

Seven from the over, the lead up to 127 runs.

Australia 504-7 (Smith 128, Webster 29) Overs: 121

Tongue is still running in hard despite the lateness of the hour, with England having toiled in the field for the entirety of day three. But he coughs up a tired looking ball, as these two continue to rotate the strike.

And in doing so, they bring up Australia's 500 as Webster finds the boundary. Then Smith likewise hits the ropes, as the lead grows and grows. Tongue leaked 11 runs from that over.

Australia lead by 120 now...

Australia 493-7 (Smith 124, Webster 23) Overs: 120

Jacks continues as the Barmy Army find their voice and do everything they can to lift England late on.

It works to a certain extent as Jacks goes up for one that turns hugely and clatters into Webster's pads - but it looks like it is heading well down leg, and the umpire agrees.

A single from the final ball, and Australia's lead is at 109 runs.

Australia 492-7 (Smith 124, Webster 22) Overs: 119

Oh this is too good from Smith. He opens up against Tongue with a boundary, as Stokes brings the quick bowler back into the attack. A lovely cut shot from the Aussie captain, who gives that the treatment it deserved.

Ruthless is the way to describe Smith's innings today.

Australia 486-7 (Smith 120, Webster 21) Overs: 118

Jacks returns to the attack. Four singles open the over, as the lead goes past the 100 mark.

A fifth follows from the final ball, Australia able to keep that scoreboard ticking over. The lead is 102 runs now, with the close of play still twenty minutes away.

England toiling.

Australia 481-7 (Smith 117, Webster 19) Overs: 117

Webster dances wide and clubs one to the boundary. Potts looks close to distraught as he watches that one fly away.

A single follows, and then Smith gives the next ball the treatment as Potts starts to get hit around the park again. That one was pulled for four.

This is expensive, a wide is called next as the ball flies well over Smith's head who helpfully signals to the umpire... Not that they needed his help to call that one.

Potts and England look tired, and short of ideas. 11 from the over, and Australia's lead is heading towards three figures.

Australia 470-7 (Smith 112, Webster 14) Overs: 116

Bethell continues. After four dot balls, Webster edges one - but it lands safe, with Jacks chasing down to prevent the boundary and save one run.

Just the three from it, as the lead hits 86 runs.

Australia 467-7 (Smith 112, Webster 11) Overs: 115

Potts had a difficult time of it yesterday, but he has been better today. Nonetheless, he won't like the look of his figures. 0-130 with 1 maiden to be precise.

Two singles to open the over as Smith continues to rotate the strike, happy to leave Webster to face plenty of balls - it is not often that Webster will bat as low as nine.

What was that? Smith clubs one down into the ground that is more like a tennis smash than anything usually seen on a cricket field. Speaking of tennis, the Australian Open is live on TNT Sports and discovery+ later this month.

Two from the over.

Australia 465-7 (Smith 111, Webster 10) Overs: 114

Bethell continues his spell, holding down one end to give the quicks a breather in the heat. Smith is averaging 83 this series, by the way.

It is a today over, just the two singles from it as the lead moves to 81 runs.

Handy. A handy lead. Not decisive yet, but certainly a number that is going to play on Stokes' mind in this last session before stumps.

Australia 463-7 (Smith 110, Webster 9) Overs: 113

Potts comes back into the attack now, as Stokes rotates his quick bowlers looking for that breakthrough. And with his first ball, Smith doesn't offer up a chance but does get an edge which lands safe.

Potts then comes up with a bouncer of sorts, that keeps high through to the batter before failing to carry through to the keeper. The pitch is definitely offering some inconsistent bounce now.

Potts sprays one down leg next, Jamie Smith somehow galloping across to it. Four from the over.

Australia 459-7 (Smith 107, Webster 8) Overs: 112

More from Bethell. Webster nudges a single to get his captain back on strike. That lead is edging up still, 74 runs and counting.

Make that 75 as Smith drives one and slowly trots a single.

England are starting to wilt in the Sydney heat - and there is still the best part of 50 minutes to go until stumps tonight.

Australia 457-7 (Smith 106, Webster 7) Overs: 111

Most Ashes centuries - 19 for Bradman, and now 13 for Smith.

Carse continues, as Smith sends one through cover for four. How much will he kick on now? A single follows to bring Webster back on strike.

One more single late on keeps Webster on strike for the next over.

Watch - Green is caught as England strike after tea

England break 71 partnership as Green caught after Australia cruise into lead

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Australia 451-7 (Smith 101, Webster 6) Overs: 110

Bethell to Smith, who is on 97. What will he do here? Well, something not many players would do.

Smith steps out wide and nurdles one down to the boundary. He runs three with webster to bring up his 37th Test century. It isn't even that tight, with a few English players nodding in appreciation as the bat is raised, the crowd stand and Smith kisses his helmet.

A single for each player, and the over ends with Smith a centurion once again.

Steve Smith celebrates his century on Day 3 of the fifth Test of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 06, 2026

Image credit: Getty Images

Australia 446-7 (Smith 97, Webster 5) Overs: 109

Carse to continue to a still fidgeting Smith.

He gets a single to move to 97, edging his way to that century. Some players like to move to three figures with a flourish, Smith won't care how he does it, just that he does.

But as he moves off strike, Webster shows off his skills as he gets his first boundary with a lovely drive.

Australia 441-7 (Smith 96, Webster 1) Overs: 108

Bethell to Smith. The Australian captain threads one through the infield for a single, to move to 96. His has not been the crash bang wallop of Head's innings, but he is still heading towards a much-needed century for Australia.

Two from the over, as Australia's lead creeps to 57 runs.

Australia 439-7 (Smith 95, Webster 1) Overs: 107

Webster is the new man at the crease. His job? Support Smith and put away the bad balls.

While he gets off the mark with a single, those replays of the Green wicket keep coming and it does not make for pretty viewing. The all-rounder just scoops one straight to Duckett. Inexplicable shot when he was well set and Australia in control.

The door is half ajar for England.

Wicket! Australia 437-7 (Green 37) Overs: 106.3

Green c Duckett b Carse 37 (64)

Carse concedes two to open his next over. But then he gets his man! Green goes, unable to stick around any longer to support his captain.

Well, well, well. Green just spooned that one into the deep, Duckett with an easy catch at deep square leg. That was a real gift for England.

Brydon Carse celebrates on Day 3 of the fifth Test of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 06, 2026

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Australia 435-6 (Smith 94, Green 35) Overs: 106

This is a good over from Bethell, keeping Smith contained down one end. That is until the final ball, which goes for two.

That moves Smith to 94 and the lead to 51.

What sort of lead will England be confident to chase down, and surpass? The pitch is not doing much, but the pressure will mount on the tourists if that lead goes into three figures. Their first innings total did look light, with not enough support coming for Root who stood firm at one end.

Australia 433-6 (Smith 92, Green 35) Overs: 105

Carse was knocked around the park yesterday by Head - as were most of the English bowlers to be fair.

But this spell is much tighter for the quick bowler. Four dots balls open up the second over of his spell, before Smith grabs a single. He debates a second, but falls to his knees as he turns in the crease.

That is the third time the Australian captain has hit the dirt in one form or another. The lead moves to 49, as Smith continues his march towards a century...

Australia 432-6 (Smith 91, Green 35) Overs: 104

Smith has a swipe at Bethell's first ball, and it lands safe. Is that going to set the tone for what Bethell can expect here?

Green then picks up two, before safely nudging one back to the bowler.

The tall man has to crouch low to smother the next ball, as Bethell keeps the end of the over tight.

So, no in short. Smith seemed to want to attack the slow stuff when Bethell first came back into the attack, but these two are very much playing each ball on its merits now.

Australia 429-6 (Smith 90, Green 33) Overs: 103

Carse returns to the attack, Stokes finally earning a well deserved rest.

Speaking of the England captain, he is rubbing his eyes - perhaps incredulous that England cannot get any real chances out of Green, who is playing the best he has all series.

A maiden over to open for Carse in this spell, much needed for England who are starting to lose control with he lead already up at 45 runs.

Australia 429-6 (Smith 90, Green 33) Overs: 102

Bethell has been fairly tidy so far, as he continues. But after leaking a single, Bethell dollies up something best left at home and Smith pounces on the short ball to cream one away for four.

Smith moves into the nervous nineties... As Australia lead by 45 runs.

Australia 424-6 (Smith 86, Green 32) Overs: 101

The fifty partnership comes up from 74 balls, as Stokes continues from the other end.

Oh here we go. A single, a two and then Green swats the ball away over the rope for six! Beautifully played by Green, who pulls that one way into the stands. That is he third six of the innings for Australia, who are batting on a pitch that is not offering much at the moment for the under the cosh England bowlers.

Well, so much for keeping the pressure on. Stokes concedes 10 runs from the over as the drinks come on.

Australia 414-6 (Smith 85, Green 23) Overs: 100

Bethell continues from the other end. It is a much tidier over from the spinner, just the three runs from it.

Smith is edging towards his century, Green quietly accumulating runs from the other end.

And Australia's lead is also ticking over, sitting at 30 runs now.

Australia 411-6 (Smith 83, Green 22) Overs: 99

Stokes switches ends. Smith picks up a single, then Green does likewise - and on the second, it certainly looks like the Australian captain is moving slightly gingerly. We'll keep an eye on that for you.

Four from the over in the end, two singles, a leg bye and a no ball bouncer.

Stokes has bowled 25 overs now, with figures of 2-77. He is putting his body through it today in the oppressive heat, perhaps trying to shield some of the other bowlers from the heat - both literal and metaphorical.

Australia 407-6 (Smith 82, Green 21) Overs: 98

There is a bowling change, Bethell coming in to send down some slower stuff. And that signals time to attack for Smith.

He brings up the 400 for Australia as Bethell's first, loose ball is lofted over the ropes for six. Right. Intent set.

A single follows, before Green also goes aerial, only just making it over the infield. More singles are burgled, the over goes for 11 and Australia lead by 23 runs.

But there were chances offered up from that over...

Australia 396-6 (Smith 74, Green 18) Overs: 97

Tongue is into his 24th over here - he is putting in a stint and a half. There is a pause while Smith points to some fans in one of the higher tiers who are distracting the Aussie captain.

England take advantage of the delay to bring the helmet on for Root, although he does not appear at short leg.

And to continue the strange theme of the over, Smith hits the dirt again as he avoids a rather tame bouncer.

Eventually, we get a conventional ball and a conventional stroke, Smith taking a single after steering one to deep backward point. Like Stokes before him, Tongue finally sends down a tight over that goes for just the one run.

Australia 395-6 (Smith 73, Green 18) Overs: 96

Can Stokes keep things tighter? He doesn't find that low, skiddy bounce he managed a couple of overs ago, the fourth ball sitting up nicely for Smith to pick up a single.

And that is the only run conceded, just when we said England were not keeping tight enough control of the scoreboard, Stokes sends down a really good over.

Australia lead by 11 runs.

Australia 394-6 (Smith 72, Green 18) Overs: 95

Tongue remains, with Smith picking off a single. The rest of the over is tidy... until Green puts away a loose final ball for four.

This is a problem for England at the moment, not enough tight overs, and as for maidens, they have been few and far between.

All of which means Australia are able to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Australia 389-6 (Smith 71, Green 14) Overs: 94

A quickly taken single off the first ball of the next over brings the scores level.

Stokes trudges back to his mark, and his mood won't improve when Smith creams the next ball over cover for four. That takes the hosts into the lead, as Smith then gets off strike with another good single.

But does the captain have a niggle, or is he just having a stretch?

Hard to say, but the last ball of the over is a peach from Stokes, just getting the outside edge of Green's bat who plays down the line, the ball dying and bouncing before it gets to Smith.

Australia 383-6 (Smith 66, Green 13) Overs: 93

Tongue remains in charge from the other end.

A couple of singles rotates the strike, before Smith is floored! Tongue finds some lift from the pitch as he angles a bouncer at Smith, who ducks backwards so far he loses his footing.

Steve Smith evades a bouncer on Day 3 of the fifth Test of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 06, 2026

Image credit: Getty Images

A more conventional duck for the second bouncer keeps Smith out of the dirt, and then comes a third that Smith easily avoids.

Australia trail by one run, and England have a plan to make Smith uncomfortable, it seems.

Australia 381-6 (Smith 65, Green 12) Overs: 92

A bowling change after tea - Stokes has brought himself back into the attack. He is bowling to a watchful Green, who is content to block this over out.

Green is under some pressure reportedly with a few influential voices in Australia not too impressed with the tall all-rounder, but a boundary from the last ball will help ease any nerves.

'A masterclass' from Head

Let's hear what the pundits think of the man of the moment, Travis Head.

"Just another masterclass really from a guy who has dominated the Ashes. What is mad about this story, in the previous 18 knocks coming up to the Ashes, he didn’t get one 40. And yet he has been the thorn in England’s side - he’s been absolutely superb, he has not allowed an England bowler to settle," explains Cook.

"He really is a superb player, and when he opens the batting, he averages 60. It is the hardest place to bat, and yet he doesn’t allow people to bowl to him. He backs himself to never miss the ball, which is why he is happy to show his stumps," adds Swann.

"This ruins my argument of how hard it is to bat at the top of the order," Cook joked.

"England didn’t bowl too badly at him, he just has the ability to adapt."

England facing down a first innings deficit

England will be pleased to have see the back of Head in that session, after the Australian opener fell for 163 attempting to sweep Bethell. Khawaja went for 17 too in what will be his final Test of a long and illustrious career.

Carey will be disappointed with his 16 after glancing one down leg, having looked set to dig in for a big score.

Three wickets in that session, but with Smith still at the crease, England will not be too happy with how things have gone - especially as they are facing down a deficit here with Australia trailing by just 7 runs.

Bethell halts Head with lbw after superb knock of 163

Video credit: TNT Sports

Tea: Australia near parity with four wickets in hand

Australia have Smith well set on 65 not out which will worry a few England players as they head off for a well deserved break. And Green is no slouch with the bat either, more than able to stick around here.

We'll have a look at the session as a whole shortly, but first, here is what happened to Carey not that long ago:

'Dangerous' Carey gone for 16 as England gain momentum

Video credit: TNT Sports

Australia 377-6 (Smith 65, Green 8) Overs: 91

Just a quick reminder that England did take the new balls at the 80 over mark, so the shine is starting to go from that cherry now.

Tongue remains at the other end, and opts to bounce Smith, who jumps into the air and plays it well, getting the ball back down to earth swiftly and safely.

These two are already happy to pick off the singles and rotate the strike though.

Three from the over, as the players walk off for tea with Australia trailing by just 7 runs.

Australia 374-6 (Smith 64, Green 6) Overs: 90

A lovely stroke from Green as he finds the boundary with a textbook cover drive.

Potts really is struggling out there to find anything from this pitch.

Two singles to go with that four edge Australia ever closer to England's first innings total under the hot Sydney sun, with the Barmy Army still trying to gee up their side while England have a fresh batter to bowl to.

Australia 368-6 (Smith 63, Green 1) Overs: 89

Two singles plus the wicket from Tongue's over, as the Barmy Army make themselves heard.

Smith makes some noise after the last ball of the over heads down leg vaguely near the bat if Green, but no one else is remotely interested in that one.

Still, Tonue has made the breakthrough. But can England capitalise, with Australia trailing by 16?

Australia's Alex Carey (L) throws his bat in the air after being dismissed by England's Josh Tongue (R) on day three of the fifth Ashes cricket Test match

Image credit: Getty Images

Wicket! Australia 366-6 (Carey 16) Overs: 88.1

Carey c Bethell b Tongue 16 (13)

Carey has gone! Tongue's first ball is glanced by Carey to leg slip!

Unexpected, but a very much needed wicket for England there. Carey goes for 16, and Green comes out for Australia.

Australia 366-5 (Smith 62, Carey 16) Overs: 88

Potts is bowling to Smith, who is looking pretty comfortable out there having already surpassed his half-century.

And he tonks two boundaries as the over goes for eight runs - Potts having a tricky time of it, no wickets yet for him.

Smith calls for fresh gloves too...

The match situation

England won the toss in this fifth and final Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series, and elected to bat. Both Crawley and Duckett got starts, but it was Root who anchored the innings with a brilliant century. Brook supported Root with 84, while keeper Smith made 46 and Jacks 27 as England posted 384, with Neser the pick of the Aussie bowlers.

He returned figures of 4-60 from his 18.3 overs, and then Head made a great start as Australia set about chasing down and surpassing that total on Day 2.

Today, Head eventually went for 163 from an incredible 166 balls, and it really has been an Ashes to remember for the makeshift opener.

Travis Head plays a shot on Day 3 of the fifth Test of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 06, 2026

Image credit: Getty Images

And now Steve Smith and Alex Carey are at the wicket and close to taking Australia past England’s first innings total.

Australia trail by 26 runs as we pick up the live action...

Day 3 - LIVE

Welcome to TNT Sports' live text coverage from the third day of the fifth NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series Test at Sydney Cricket Ground.

After two days of play, Australia began the third day on 166-2 - trailing England by 218 runs - and lost just one wicket before lunch as they progressed to 281-3.

The two playing XIs

England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Jacob Bethell, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Will Jacks, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Matthew Potts, 11 Josh Tongue

Australia: 1 Jake Weatherald, 2 Travis Head, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith (capt), 5 Usman Khawaja, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Cameron Green, 8 Beau Webster, 9 Michael Neser, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Scott Boland

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Watch every ball of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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