Daijiworld Media Network - Sydney

Sydney, Jan 6: Travis Head’s commanding 163 and an unbeaten 129 from Steven Smith propelled Australia into a dominant position on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test, with the hosts reaching 518/7 at stumps and securing a 134-run lead over England at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Replying to England’s first-innings total of 384, Head once again set the tone at the top of the order. Resuming the day on 91, he continued his fluent run-scoring and brought up his 12th Test century at close to a run-a-ball pace. Michael Neser, who began the day alongside Head, survived an early reviewed appeal for caught behind before England finally struck after 90 minutes, when Brydon Carse had him caught for 24.

Head reached his highest level of dominance before lunch, advancing to 162 as Australia piled on the runs. England squandered two difficult catching opportunities late in the session, allowing Australia to add 115 runs for the loss of just one wicket before the break.

Soon after lunch, England found relief when spin all-rounder Jacob Bethell dismissed Head for 163. The left-hander walked off to a standing ovation, having crossed the 600-run mark for the series, and left Australia well in control.

Steven Smith then anchored the innings with trademark composure. He was joined briefly by Usman Khawaja, playing his final Test, who contributed 17 in a 51-run stand before falling to Carse. Alex Carey attacked from the outset but was once again undone by a leg-stump trap, falling for the third time in the series to a similar dismissal.

Cameron Green showed promise with a brisk 37 before mistiming an aerial pull, while Beau Webster provided valuable support. Webster and Smith added 81 runs for the eighth wicket, further stretching Australia’s advantage.

Smith reached his 37th Test century — and his first of the series — to underline his class. By the close of play, he remained unbeaten on 129, with Webster solid on 48, as Australia tightened their grip on the match.

Brief Scores:
England 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84; Michael Neser 4-60, Scott Boland 2-85)
Australia 518/7 (Travis Head 163, Steven Smith 129*; Brydon Carse 3-108, Ben Stokes 2-87)
Australia lead by 134 runs