The third day at the fifth Ashes test was squarely in Australia's court as Travis Head's blazing ton got the action underway, followed by Steve Smith's flawless undefeated hundred that put the visitors well on the back foot.

Head Unleashes, England Strike Through Reviews

Australia started their second day with their heads held high, but England opened their account in the fourth over itself, as DRS brought back Lewis Gregory’s maiden scalp in the form of replacement Nathan Lyle via a wayward shot from Nathan, which Oliver Robinson adjudged LBW in the 1st over itself.

Australia lost their opener in their second over itself when Michael Neser fell to an English review in the 35.6th over after umpire Ahsan Raza gave him LBW.
Australia surged past 200 in 43.5 overs, with Head leading the way. The solid third-wicket stand added 50 runs in 110 balls, took Australia to 225/2 at drinks, Head already into the 120s. England again relied on reviews, removed Neser for the second time in the innings after another challenge was given. Still, momentum continued to stay with Australia.

Head Crosses 150, Smith Settles In

Australia crossed 250 in 59.4 overs before Head reached a magnificent 150 off 152 balls, combining power with control. At lunch, Australia were 281/3 with Steve Smith settling into his familiar rhythm along with the in-form Head.

The two combined in a brisk 50-run partnership off just 64 balls, taking Australia past the 300-run mark, before England finally removed Head. Australia reviewed the on-field decision in the 67.1st over, but Head was adjudged out, departing for an authoritative 162 to lay the perfect platform.
Smith Seizes the Initiative after Tea
The innings was now clearly the ‘Steve Smith show’ after the Post-Head boundary. Australia reached 322/4 during the drinks break, and when the new ball was introduced at 80.1 overs, Smith scored a dogged half-century in 95 deliveries.

Yet another DRS controversy saw the back of Australian Usman Khawaja, and despite that, Steve Smith received adequate support from Cameron Green. Tea was taken with Australia reaching 377/6, clearly ahead.

The milestones continued to flow. Australia reached 400 in 97.1 overs, overcoming an interesting five-ball over, when Smith and Green produced yet another crucial 50-run partnership.

Smith's Century Caps Off A Dominant Day
A sublime century off 166 balls, replete with characteristically late acceleration, was scored by Smith. The late resistance shown by BJ Webster could just forestall Australia overcome the 450 and then the 500 mark, to the delight of the 46,161-strong crowd. On the other hand, stumps were reached with Australia at a dominating 518/7 on the board in 124 overs, Steve Smith being not out at 129 and Webster at 42.
Day 3 Summary

Travis Head: 162 – a blazing tone-setter

Steve Smith: 129* – classic Ashes hundred

Australia: 518/7 at stumps

Attendance: 46,161

With Australia holding a commanding lead and wickets still in hand, Day 4 promises decisive action in this gripping Ashes finale.