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Head, Smith Tons Power Australia to 518/7, Lead by 134 in Sydney Ashes Test

Travis Head's blistering 163 and Steven Smith's unbeaten 129 have put Australia in a commanding position at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The hosts reached 518 for 7 by stumps on Day 3, securing a significant 134-run first-innings lead over England. England's bowlers, led by Brydon Carse, struggled to make consistent breakthroughs despite a couple of late wickets. Australia will now look to build an insurmountable lead on Day 4 of the final Ashes Test.

Key Points: Ashes: Head & Smith Centuries Put Australia in Command

  • Head scores rapid 163
  • Smith unbeaten on 129
  • Australia leads by 134 runs
  • England's bowlers toil for three wickets
2 min read

Ashes: Head, Smith carry Aus to 518/7 at stumps on Day 3 in Sydney

Travis Head (163) and Steven Smith (129*) lead Australia to 518/7, a 134-run lead over England on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.

"Smith scored his 37th Test century and his first in this series. - Match Report"

Sydney, Jan 6

Travis Head and Steven Smith guided Australia to take control of the fifth Ashes Test as the hosts reached 518/7 at stumps on Day 3, taking a 134-run lead over England here at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

In response to England's 384 first-innings score, Head proved imperious at the top of the order once more, bringing up his 12th Test century at a rate of close to a run a ball. Head resumed on 91 at the beginning of day three alongside Michael Neser, who survived the final session of day two in protection of Smith.

Neser survived a reviewed English appeal for caught behind before Head brought up three figures soon after with a push out to the off-side for four. The breakthrough for England came after 90 minutes when Brydon Carse had Neser caught off for 24.

Smith then joined Head, who reached 162 when lunch was called. England had two more opportunities in the last two overs of the session, but both difficult chances were missed. As a result, Australia added 115 runs for the loss of just a lone wicket in the first session.

After lunch, Head added just one when he was dismissed by England's spin-bowling all-rounder Jacob Bethell in just the third over after lunch. The opener departed to a standing ovation, having reached 600 runs for the series, before Australia steadily moved ahead.

Khawaja then joined Smith. Playing his final Test match, the former made 17 and stitched a 51-run stand with the stand-in skipper before falling to Brydon Carse. Alex Carey came out aggressively but was dismissed for the third time in this series by a leg-stump trap.

Cameron Green got a good start and looked in solid touch but lost his wicket at 37 when he attempted an aerial pull shot. Beau Webster batted confidently and built an 81-run eighth-wicket partnership with Smith, who scored his 37th Test century and his first in this series. By stumps, Smith remained unbeaten at 129 and Webster was batting at 48 as Australia took a 134-run lead.

Brief Scores: England 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84; Michael Neser 4-60, Scott Boland 2-85) trail Australia 518/7 (Travis Head 163, Steven Smith 129*; Brydon Carse 3-108, Ben Stokes 2-87) by 134 runs

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Smith is a class act. 37th Test century! England's bowling looks toothless without a proper spinner. Reminds me of how our Ashwin and Jadeja would have exploited these conditions. Miss watching a proper Test battle.
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Aman W
England's fielding has been poor, dropping those chances. In a high-stakes series like this, you can't afford such lapses. Australia are masters at capitalizing on opponents' mistakes. Game seems to be slipping away from England now.
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Sarah B
Watching from the UK, but have to admire Smith's resilience. He was under pressure for runs in this series and he's delivered when it mattered. Head's aggressive century set the perfect platform. England need a miracle.
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Karthik V
The partnership between Smith and Webster was crucial. Shows the depth in Australian batting. As an Indian cricket follower, I enjoy these contests, but the real thrill is always India vs Australia. Hope we get another series there soon!
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Nikhil C
Respectful criticism: The article is fine, but the headline focuses only on Head and Smith. What about Webster's supporting knock? That 81-run partnership was key. Sometimes supporting roles don't get enough credit in cricket journalism.

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