Head, Smith centuries put Australia on front foot: 5th Test, Day 3 (SCG)

Australia tightened their grip on the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG on Day 3, piling on the runs in dominant fashion to seize control of the match.

Opener Travis Head’s blistering century set the tone before Steve Smith anchored the innings with a composed hundred, frustrating an England attack that struggled for consistency and was let down by missed chances in the field.

By stumps, Australia had built a commanding overall lead with wickets in hand, leaving England facing an uphill task heading into Day 4 as the hosts closed in on a position from which they could dictate the result.

Australia 518 for 7 (Head 163, Smith 129*) lead England 384 (Root 160, Brook 84, Neser 4-60) by 134 runs.

Jan 2026