Australia took the lead over England by 134 runs thanks to a bold 163 from Travis Head and a calm, undefeated 129 from Steve Smith on day three of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney on Tuesday.
In addition to his incredible match-winning 123 in Perth and 170 in Adelaide, it was destructive opener Head’s third ton of the series. At a crowded Sydney Cricket Ground, Smith’s first century of the series propelled the hosts to 518-7 by stumps in response to England’s 384.
Australia lead the series 3-1 and have already retained the Ashes. After winning the last Test in Melbourne, England are eager for another victory to strengthen their spirits.
“Nice batting wicket out there. Nice to start my innings on the back of a great innings from Travis Head,” Smith told Fox Sports.
“When you’re out there with him they forget about you and I was able to get into my work. Worked out well today.”
Head appeared destined to score 200 after reaching three figures off just 105 balls. However, Jacob Bethell’s part-time spin, who was bowling for the first time in the series, undid him in the third over following lunch.
Bethell ended an incredible knock in his second over by trapping the 32-year-old lbw while he was attempting a sweep shot. On his route to his 37th Test century, skipper Smith launched Bethell for a massive six while treating him with disdain.
Smith passed England great Jack Hobbs with his 13th Ashes century. With 19, Donald Bradman is the only one with more.
In his 88th and final Test after declaring his retirement, Usman Khawaja was dismissed by Brydon Carse for 17, while Alex Carey scored 16 before Josh Tongue gave himself an advantage. Michael Neser, a nightwatchman, scored 24 and Cameron Green, 37.
“This is proper Test cricket now in terms of the graft and the stuff that you have to put in,” said Bethell, as the tourists attempt to finish a dismal series on a high.
“Yeah, it was a tough day, but you know, that’s what it’s about. We’ve got to come out tomorrow, take those three wickets early on and get back in again.”
Jake Weatherald (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (48) were out on Monday; Head returned on 91 and Neser on 1.
Head hit three digits with his 17th four, which he smashed through the covers from Tongue while windmilling his bat in jubilation after clattering an early midwicket boundary off Ben Stokes. His status as one of the most adaptable batters in the game was cemented with his 12th century, which was also his first in Sydney.
Khawaja’s back ailment forced Head to shift to the top of the order in the second innings of the first Test in Perth, but he has since established himself there. After securing his hundred, he hit three consecutive fours off Matthew Potts. On 121, he drew Carse, and Will Jacks dropped a sitter close to the ropes, giving him a huge let-off.
England wasted their last two reviews on Neser, who skillfully hung around for 90 balls. He hit four boundaries while batting like a top-order batsman before giving wicketkeeper Jamie Smith a narrow edge off Carse.
Zak Crawley dropped Smith at leg slip on 12, but he managed to make it to lunch without incident and passed 50 with a drive down the ground. Carey struck a string of perfect strokes after Khawaja left, but he was removed in a manner reminiscent of his previous two Test matches.
Unfazed, Smith put Australia ahead for the first time by slamming Stokes to the ropes for four. Steely-eyed, he continued on to another elegant century.
Green, an all-rounder, faced mounting criticism going into the Test after failing to perform well with the bat or the ball during the series, raising doubts about his automatic selection.
He demonstrated his abilities with a spectacular cover drive and a huge six. However, he threw away his wicket by recklessly spooning Carse’s delivery to Ben Duckett in the deep.
