Ashes D3: 5th Test – Head, Smith centuries as Australia take control

Travis Head set the tone early, igniting the match with another
decisive hundred that lifted the tempo and left England exposed.
Once Head departed, Steve Smith took over, delivering a century
built on discipline, patience, and total control. It was vintage
Smith, marked by patience, clarity, and an absolute refusal to
take the bait, as Australia seized command of day three.


Corbin and Ed then turned to the man of the series debate,
weighing Mitchell Starc’s wickets against Head’s match-shaping
hundreds, before deciding the conversation could wait.


Australia’s depth again became a key talking point. Cameron
Green’s frustration after another start without a defining score
was contrasted with Beau Webster’s calm, accomplished
contribution, while Usman Khawaja’s dismissal was not the
farewell many fans had hoped for in his final Test.


The discussion closed with a blunt assessment of England’s
unravelling, with missed chances, mounting pressure, and fading
confidence defining a day that increasingly felt one-sided.ABC
Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by Ed
Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to keep
you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big issues
that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes
results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of
cricket banter.


Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by
Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts,
and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This
podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’