Smith–Head Centuries Power Australia to Commanding Lead in 5th Ashes Test

 


Australia tightened their grip on the fifth Ashes Test with a dominant batting display, powered by sublime centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head. Replying to England’s first-innings total of 384, Australia surged to 518 for 7 by stumps on Day Three, establishing a commanding 134-run lead and firmly placing themselves in control of the match.

Travis Head led the charge with a breathtaking 163, an innings that blended aggression with authority. Facing just 166 deliveries, Head peppered the boundary with 24 fours and launched one six, batting in his trademark attacking style. At the other end, Steve Smith produced a masterclass in composure and precision, remaining unbeaten on 129. The stand-in Australian captain faced 205 balls, striking 15 boundaries and a six in a knock defined by patience, balance, and impeccable shot selection.

Smith’s century carried historic significance. It was his 13th Ashes hundred, propelling him past England great Jack Hobbs to second place on the all-time list of Ashes centuries. Only the legendary Sir Don Bradman, with 19 centuries in 37 Ashes Tests, now stands ahead of him. Smith also overtook Hobbs to move into second place on the list of highest run-scorers in Ashes history.

Smith walked in with Australia at 234 for 3 and immediately set about anchoring the innings with a cool head. His calm approach and calculated strokeplay ensured stability as wickets fell around him.

The Sydney Test also produced a lighter moment amid the intensity. Smith briefly halted play, explaining that England pacer Brydon Carse—fielding at mid-on—was distracting him with reflective sunglasses. The sunlight bouncing off the lenses was troubling the batter. The stump mic captured Smith politely asking, “Carsey! Could you turn your sunglasses around?” Carse obliged instantly, flipping the glasses to the back of his head, and play resumed to smiles all around.

Australia had begun the day on 166 for 2, with Head on 91 and Michael Neser on 1. Head quickly brought up his century in emphatic fashion. Carse provided England their first breakthrough by dismissing Neser (24), while Jacob Bethell accounted for Head. In what could be his final Test appearance, Usman Khawaja managed just 17 before also falling to Carse. Alex Carey contributed 16, Cameron Green added a useful 37, but England were unable to wrest back control.

At stumps, Smith was well supported by Beau Webster, who remained unbeaten on 42. The pair added an unbroken 81 runs for the eighth wicket, further deflating England’s hopes and underlining Australia’s dominance as the match heads into its decisive phase.

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