Australia win the Ashes series 3-0 after an 82-run victory in Adelaide, with England’s resistance ending after 11 days of play
AUSTRALIA retained the Ashes with a comprehensive 82-run victory in the third Test at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
The win, secured in just 11 days of play across three Tests, gives the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
England were bowled out for 352 on the final day, falling short in their record chase of 435 despite a defiant 145-run stand from their last four wickets.
“It feels pretty awesome,” said Australia captain Pat Cummins.
“It wasn’t easy today, but we got it done. The last two months have been a bit of a grind, but it’s all worth it for days like this.”
The victory was sealed when Scott Boland had Josh Tongue caught by Marnus Labuschagne, sparking wild celebrations.
England’s defeat marks the joint second-quickest Ashes series conclusion in over a century, matching the 11-day finish in 1921.
The tourists’ hopes of keeping the series alive ended despite a fighting 60 from Jamie Smith and a Test-best 47 from Will Jacks.
Australia’s only setback was a hamstring injury to spinner Nathan Lyon, who left the field on crutches and is a doubt for the remaining Tests.
“It doesn’t look great,” Cummins said of Lyon’s injury.
“Seeing someone on crutches doesn’t really bode well for someone with a Test match a week away.”
England captain Ben Stokes admitted his team was hurting after the series defeat.
“Everyone is hurting and quite emotional about it,” Stokes said.
“It hurts, it sucks, but we ain’t going to stop. We have got so much to play for, and we will be flying into these next two games.”
The result extends England’s winless streak in Australia to 18 Tests, dating back to their last series victory in 2010-11.
Cummins, playing his first Test since July due to a back injury, indicated he may rest as a precaution for the Melbourne Test starting Friday.
The fourth Test begins at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.
