All you need to know about Day One in third Test after Alex Carey’s century
December 17, 2025 / /
Need to know
Australia and England resumed their Ashes series overnight with wicket-keeper Alex Carey scoring a century for the Aussies as they reached 326-8 on Day One after Steve Smith’s late omission.
Everything you need to know from Day One at Adelaide Oval as a superb century from wicket-keeper Alex Carey inspired Australia in the third Ashes Test match against England…
- Australia 326-8 (first innings) at stumps on Day One: Carey 106, Khawaja 82; Archer 3-29, Carse 2-70. The Aussies won the toss and elected to bat first.
- Smith’s Shock withdrawal: In a dramatic 11th-hour twist, Steve Smith was ruled out just 20 minutes before the toss. Dealing with symptoms of nausea and dizziness – later diagnosed as a “vestibular issue” aka vertigo – a disconsolate Smith was seen walking across the ground with his backpack as Pat Cummins returned to lead the side.
- The Khawaja reprieve: Following Smith’s late withdrawal, Usman Khawaja was handed a recall after being dropped from the original XI. Moving to number four, he stabilized a rocky Australian start with a composed 82, falling just short of a “miracle” comeback century when he holed out to deep mid-wicket.
- Carey’s emotional century: The stand-out performance came from local hero Alex Carey, who struck his maiden Ashes century (106) at his home ground. It was a deeply emotional moment for the wicket-keeper, who looked to the heavens upon reaching three figures in a moving tribute to his late father, Gordon, who passed away earlier this year.
- Archer’s post-lunch attack: Jofra Archer turned the game on its head immediately after lunch, taking two wickets in the first three balls of the session. He dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in quick succession, leaving Australia reeling at 99-4 before a Carey-Khawaja partnership rescued the innings.
- Early wickets for England: Despite some wayward bowling from Brydon Carse early on, England’s seamers found joy in the first session. Archer removed opener Jake Weatherald with a sharp bouncer, and Travis Head was dismissed for 10 following a spectacular one-handed diving catch by Zak Crawley at cover.
- Late resistance: After Cummins fell for 13, Mitchell Starc (33*) and spinner Nathan Lyon safely navigated the final overs to guide Australia past the 300-mark. Their defiant 8th-wicket stand ensured Australia finished the day with the slight upper-hand on a pitch expected to favour big scores.
Posted in Sports
