Adelaide, December 17, 2025: Alex Carey produced a stirring performance, scoring a majestic 106 on his home ground, while Usman Khawaja contributed a resilient 82, putting Australia in a strong position on day one of the third Ashes Test against England at Adelaide Oval.
Batting first after captain Pat Cummins won the toss under soaring temperatures of 36°C, Australia ended the day at 326-8, navigating the shock absence of Steve Smith, who was ruled out due to illness.
“To make a hundred here in front of home fans and family was special,” an emotional Carey told Australian television, gesturing to the sky in tribute to his late father, Gordon, who passed away from cancer in September. His wife, Eloise, was seen in tears during his celebrations.
Carey’s innings included eight fours and a six, marking his third Test century. He shared partnerships with Josh Inglis (32), Pat Cummins (13), and Mitchell Starc, who remained unbeaten on 33, with Nathan Lyon yet to score. The century came in front of a record crowd of 56,298 — the largest ever at the venue.
England’s Jofra Archer led the bowling effort with 3-29 in challenging conditions for the visitors. England bowling coach David Saker acknowledged the impact of the heat on his bowlers but praised their persistence: “Archer had a point to prove, he sustained his pace and bowled at the stumps, and he was well supported.”
Usman Khawaja, turning 39 on Thursday, was given an unexpected chance following Smith’s late withdrawal. He batted stoically, reaching 82 before being dismissed just before tea, slog-sweeping to Josh Tongue off Will Jacks. His innings provided stability after early wickets fell in a dramatic post-lunch session.
After lunch, Archer’s fiery spell saw Australia reeling at 94-4, removing Marnus Labuschagne (19) and Cameron Green in quick succession, with Brydon Carse taking key catches. Josh Inglis and Cummins were later dismissed by Tongue and Carse, respectively. Carey and Starc steadied the innings, ensuring Australia maintained control.
Earlier, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald fell cheaply, while Khawaja survived a lucky drop at second slip before building his crucial innings. Carey also survived a difficult chance on 52, making the most of his reprieves to reach his milestone.
Players from both sides wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting, with security heightened and flags flying at half-mast.
Australia leads the five-Test series 2-0 and will retain the Ashes with a win or a draw in Adelaide.
