- Usman Khawaja dismissed for 82 by Will Jacks, caught in the deep by Josh Tongue, leaving Australia 185-5.
- Jacks secures his first Ashes wicket on day one of the third Test.
- Australia recover to close at 326-8, powered by Alex Carey’s emotional maiden Ashes century (106).
- Late recall Khawaja impresses after Steve Smith’s vertigo withdrawal.
- Record crowd of 56,298 watches intense battle in scorching heat.
The 2025-26 Ashes third Test at Adelaide Oval produced captivating drama on day one, highlighted by Will Jacks claiming his inaugural Ashes wicket with the prized scalp of Usman Khawaja. The recalled veteran fell for a resilient 82, top-edging a sweep to deep square leg where Josh Tongue pouched the catch. Australia, electing to bat after Pat Cummins won the toss, reached 326-8 by stumps, largely thanks to hometown hero Alex Carey’s masterful century.
England, trailing 2-0 and facing a must-win scenario, capitalized on Australian indiscipline while battling extreme conditions. Jofra Archer led the attack superbly, but soft dismissals kept the tourists in contention on a flat, high-scoring pitch.
Key Moment: Khawaja’s Dismissal
Khawaja, thrust into the side at No. 4 following Smith’s morning withdrawal due to persistent vertigo symptoms, batted with composure after surviving an early drop on 5. His 126-ball knock featured fluent sweeps and drives, forging a vital 91-run partnership with Carey to steady Australia from 94-4 post-lunch.
Attempting an aggressive slog-sweep off Jacks just before tea, Khawaja skewed a top-edge skyward. Tongue’s safe hands completed the breakthrough, denying the 38-year-old (turning 39 on day two) a deserved century in his dramatic comeback.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jofra Archer | 16 | 29 | 3 | 1.81 |
| Will Jacks | 20 | 105 | 2 | 5.25 |
| Josh Tongue | Varied | – | 1 | – |
| Brydon Carse | Varied | – | 1 | – |
Archer’s spells proved miserly and threatening, while Jacks, though expensive, delivered crucial strikes including Carey later.
The Ashes 2025-26 series remains on a knife-edge after an enthralling opening day at Adelaide Oval on December 17, 2025. Australia, leading 2-0, aimed to build dominance but self-inflicted wounds—multiple soft dismissals—allowed England to fight back despite losing the toss on a batsman-friendly surface.
Captain Cummins’ return bolstered the hosts alongside Nathan Lyon, but Smith’s late absence due to recurring vestibular issues handed Khawaja an unforeseen opportunity. The left-hander, initially omitted amid emerging openers’ form, seized it emphatically before his lapse against Jacks.
Early momentum swung England’s way. Archer removed Jake Weatherald, and Carse dismissed Travis Head, reducing Australia to 33-2. Marnus Labuschagne and Khawaja rebuilt to lunch at 94-2, only for post-interval chaos: Labuschagne and Cameron Green fell tamely in three balls to Archer, both chipping to midwicket.
Khawaja and Carey’s stand rescued proceedings. The veteran, dropped early by Harry Brook off Tongue, accelerated confidently against spin, punishing Jacks initially. His dismissal at 185-5 shifted pressure, yet Carey’s counter-attack restored balance.
The South Australian wicketkeeper, playing his first home Test since his father’s passing in September, delivered a chanceless masterpiece. Watchful early, Carey unleashed pulls, cuts, and drives, reaching three figures from 135 balls amid roaring approval from a record 56,298 attendees—the highest single-day Test crowd at Adelaide Oval.
Carey’s emotional celebration—helmet off, gaze skyward in tribute—captivated the ground. He fell soon after for 106, top-edging a sweep to Jacks, caught by Jamie Smith. Lower-order resistance from Mitchell Starc (unbeaten) and others pushed Australia past 300.
England’s effort impressed in adversity. Archer’s 3-29 stood out for control and menace. Tongue, debuting in the series, added bounce, while Jacks provided breakthroughs despite leaking runs. Stokes toiled selflessly, extracting occasional movement.
Conditions played a role: relentless heat (mid-30s Celsius) tested endurance, with day two forecast hotter near 39°C. The pitch remained true, promising runs but assisting spin later—intriguing given Lyon’s inclusion.
Series stakes amplify every moment. Australia retain the urn with a draw; victory seals it outright. England seek revival, their first Ashes win Down Under since 2010-11 requiring unprecedented fight from 2-0 down.
Individual narratives abound:
| Player | Innings/Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Usman Khawaja | 82 (126 balls) | Stabilized after recall |
| Alex Carey | 106 (146 balls) | Emotional rescue act |
| Will Jacks | 2 wickets (incl. key scalps) | Maiden Ashes success |
| Jofra Archer | 3-29 | Bowling spearhead |
| Pat Cummins | Captaincy & toss win | Leadership return |
Khawaja’s knock poses selection dilemmas for Melbourne, where Smith returns. His experience at No. 4 proved invaluable, blending patience with intent.
Carey’s form peaks timely: leading Australia’s 2025 runs, his keeping remains sharp. The century, his third in Tests and first against England, redeems past Ashes controversies while honoring personal loss.
For England, restricting Australia below 350 offers hope. Quick tail wickets on day two could expose vulnerabilities, setting a chaseable target. Batting discipline—absent in prior Tests—becomes paramount.
This Adelaide encounter exemplifies Ashes intensity: late changes, personal triumphs, tactical battles in sweltering conditions. Day one balanced finely; the contest promises more twists as temperatures rise.
Australia holds slight edge, but England’s resilience keeps series dreams flickering. Cricket fans await day two’s developments in one of sport’s greatest rivalries.
