The Final Act: Smith’s Resurgence and Khawaja’s Farewell Illuminate the SCG
The Sydney Cricket Ground has transformed into a vibrant sea of pink for the final chapter of the 2025/26 Ashes. Australia have already secured the urn with a 3-1 series lead. Now, they have ruthlessly stamped their authority over a weary England outfit.
Joe Root anchored the visitors’ first innings with a majestic 160 to post a competitive 384. The hosts responded with characteristic brutality. They ended Day 3 on a commanding 518 for 7 to hold a 134-run advantage.
Travis Head bludgeoned a rapid 163 to break the bowlers’ spirits. Meanwhile, Steve Smith remains unbeaten on 129. Batting with that familiar, twitchy brilliance, he puts his side in a winning position.
As the shadows lengthen on Usman Khawaja’s storied career, the SCG crowd watches history happen right in front of them. They are balancing the excitement of Smith’s record-breaking run with the sadness of a final goodbye.
Smith Ascends the Ashes Olympus
Steve Smith’s unbeaten 129 is a massive milestone. The former captain moved past Sir Jack Hobbs to sit second only to Sir Donald Bradman on the all-time Ashes run-scoring list. Bradman’s 5,028 runs remain a distant peak.
However, Steve Smith’s 13th Ashes century proved he is still the modern era’s best red-ball batter. He drove the point home by also overtaking Rahul Dravid’s career century tally. He fidgeted, adjusted his pads, and swatted England’s bowlers to all parts. This knock brought back those “Best since Bradman” whispers that had gone quiet during his recent slump.
Khawaja’s Poignant Final Bow
Usman Khawaja’s final Test innings ended early on 17. However, the SCG crowd gave him a standing ovation that echoed far beyond the boundary ropes. He recently announced his retirement, reflecting on his long journey as a coloured boy from Pakistan.
The 39-year-old opener left the international stage with his head held high, leaving behind a legacy of grit and class. Brydon Carse claimed his wicket, but the moment was all about Khawaja. He took in the love from his home crowd one last time before heading back to the pavilion.
Head Redefines the Opening Role
Travis Head tore up the rulebook for cautious opening batting with a breathtaking 163. This innings wrecked England’s attack and pushed him past 500 runs for the series. He scored at a pace that would put white-ball specialists to shame.
The South Australian punished the visitors’ mistakes with 24 boundaries and treated the new ball with total contempt. The selectors initially took a chance by moving him to the top of the order. That gamble has clearly worked out. Travis Head’s 105-ball century gave Australia the perfect platform for their massive lead.
Joe Root Levels with Ricky Ponting
Joe Root stood alone as England’s bowling plans fell apart. He dug in for 160, briefly giving the tourists hope of a consolation win. The former captain’s 41st Test century drew him level with Ricky Ponting.
The innings showed Joe Root is still hungry for runs, even when his team is up against it. He swept, drove, and nudged with his usual style. He dragged England to a respectable 384 before the Australian juggernaut crushed his teammates.
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Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne Spark Fireworks
Tempers flared in the evening sun as Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne got into a heated argument. The situation forced the umpire to step in. The England skipper grew frustrated by Australia’s grind and Labuschagne’s weird leave-alones.
He let his emotions boil over in a tense clash that gave the day’s play a real edge. This moment reminded everyone that the Ashes rivalry still has plenty of fire, even in a dead rubber.
