Aus vs Eng, 3rd Ashes Test: Khawaja and Carey Rescue Australia After Early Collapse

Adelaide, December 17, 2025: Australia suffered a major pre-match blow in the third Ashes Test at Adelaide as Steve Smith, acting captain in the first two Tests, was ruled out due to illness. In his place, Usman Khawaja, 38 years and 364 days old, was drafted into the team.

Australia’s innings began shakily, losing 4 wickets for just 94 runs against an aggressive England bowling attack. Openers Travis Head (10) and Jack Weatherhield (18) fell cheaply, and Marnus Labuschagne added 19 runs before Khawaja joined him at the crease. England’s Jofra Archer then struck twice in quick succession, including dismissing Cameroon Green, who had gone for a record ₹25.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction the previous day but failed to score in this Test.

Veteran Pair Stabilize Innings
Khawaja and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey steadied the innings, taking the score to 185 runs with a crucial partnership. Khawaja played a patient innings, falling short of a century at 82 runs off 126 balls with 10 fours when a delivery from Will Jacks was caught by Josh Tong.

Carey then took the mantle, scoring 106 runs off 143 balls with 8 fours and 1 six, marking his third Test century. Khawaja and Carey’s partnership laid a solid foundation, allowing Australia to reach 326 for 8 at stumps on the first day. Lower-order contributions included Jos Inglis (32), Pat Cummins (13), and Mitchell Starc (33 not out), while Nathan Lyon remained 0 not out.

England’s Bowling Efforts
Jofra Archer was Australia’s most successful bowler with 3 wickets for 29 runs, Brendon Carse took 2/70, Will Jacks 2/105, and Josh Tong 1/63. Captain Ben Stokes bowled 19 overs for 53 runs without success.

Despite losing early wickets, the veteran duo of Khawaja and Carey ensured that Australia remained in a strong position, keeping the hosts in control and the Ashes series tightly contested.