SYDNEY/KATHMANDU, JANUARY 6, 2026 – The final chapter of the 2025-26 Ashes series is heating up at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). On Day 3 of the fifth Test, Australian opener Travis Head has once again proven to be England’s nightmare, smashing a magnificent century to put the hosts in a commanding position.
Match Status (Day 3 – Lunch Update)
- England 1st Innings: 384 All Out (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84; Michael Neser 4/60)
- Australia 1st Innings: 281/3 (Travis Head 162*, Steve Smith 16*)
- Current Situation: Australia trails by just 103 runs with 7 wickets in hand.
Head’s Counter-Attack Resuming from his overnight score of 91, Travis Head wasted no time in reaching his third century of the series. He brought up his hundred off just 105 balls, continuing his aggressive “Bazball-style” counter-attack against the English bowlers.
- The Knock: Head is currently unbeaten on 162, having punished the English pace attack with a flurry of boundaries. His partnership with Steve Smith is looking ominous for the visitors.
- Series MVP: With this innings, Head has cemented his spot as the leading run-scorer of the series, having already scored match-winning hundreds in Perth and Adelaide.
England’s Missed Opportunities Earlier in the match, England posted a competitive total of 384, thanks largely to a masterclass from Joe Root.
- Root’s Brilliance: Root scored a sublime 160, his second century of the series and his 41st Test ton overall, equaling Ricky Ponting’s record.
- The Collapse: However, England failed to capitalize fully, losing their last few wickets cheaply to Michael Neser’s swing bowling.
Flashpoint: Stokes vs. Labuschagne The match has not been without drama. Late on Day 2, tensions flared between England captain Ben Stokes and Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. The two were seen exchanging heated words, with Stokes visibly frustrated by Labuschagne’s delaying tactics in fading light. Stokes had the last laugh, dismissing Labuschagne for 48 just before stumps, but the psychological battle remains intense.
Series Context Australia has already retained the Ashes, leading the series 3-1. England, fresh off a morale-boosting win in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, is desperate to end the tour on a high with a victory in Sydney to make the series scoreline a respectable 3-2.