Australia have moved within touching distance of securing yet another Ashes triumph, showcasing a level of resilience, experience, and in-game intelligence that has left England reeling. With back-to-back eight-wicket victories in Perth and Brisbane, the hosts enter the third Test in Adelaide firmly in command and poised to retain the urn on home soil for the fourth consecutive time.
Stand-in captain Steve Smith, who led the side while Pat Cummins recovered from a back injury, credited Australia’s ability to identify and dominate the game’s biggest moments. According to Smith, this has been a major evolution in the team’s approach over recent years.
“We’ve identified the key moments in the game and made the most of them,” Smith reflected. “We play ‘live’. We adapt on the go rather than waiting until we’re back in the sheds saying, ‘We should have done this.’ Sometimes it’s about playing the long game, and this team has learned how to do that exceptionally well.”
That adaptability has been glaringly absent from England’s performances. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Ben Stokes’ men have repeatedly faltered when the pressure hits hardest. Stokes acknowledged the issue, admitting that his side struggles to seize control when matches sit on a knife edge.
“When we are on top, we are great, and when behind, we’re also very good,” Stokes said. “But when the moment is neck-and-neck, we aren’t coming out on top enough.”
England now face the daunting task of needing to win three straight Tests to reclaim the Ashes — a feat they haven’t achieved in Australia since the 2010–11 series. Since then, they’ve endured 15 losses and two draws Down Under, and their current form suggests the mountain may be far too steep.
A defining passage of play in Brisbane highlighted the contrast between the two sides. Marnus Labuschagne pointed to the gritty, patient 75-run ninth-wicket stand between Mitchell Starc (77) and Scott Boland (21*) that pushed Australia to a massive 511. Their partnership secured a 177-run first-innings lead — one England never truly recovered from.
“I look back at this game and that stand between Starcy and Scott was massive,” Labuschagne said. “It got us into a position where the night session worked entirely in our favour. We’re in a really nice spot where we’re process-driven, clear in our roles, and ready for those big moments.”
Heading into Adelaide, selection debates heat up. Veteran opener Usman Khawaja may return after missing the first two Tests due to back issues, though replacements Travis Head and Jake Weatherald were solid in his absence. Cummins is expected to slot back into the attack, while selectors are poised to recall Nathan Lyon despite Michael Neser’s impressive 5-42 in Brisbane.
Australia appear settled, confident, and fully tuned into their game plan. England, meanwhile, are running out of answers — and time. If the hosts maintain their ruthless edge, Ashes glory may be wrapped up sooner rather than later.
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