Australia have retained the Ashes at Adelaide Oval after completing a hard-fought victory over England. The win capped off a match that had everything: early drama, individual brilliance, and a spirited fightback from the visitors on the final day.
England began the contest with intent, reducing Australia to 4 for 94 thanks to Jofra Archer’s pace and bounce, supported by Will Jacks, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse. But Alex Carey changed the narrative.
Under immense pressure, the South Australian wicketkeeper produced his maiden Ashes century and first at Adelaide Oval, keeping Australia afloat alongside Usman Khawaja, whose composed 82 steadied the innings and swung momentum back to the hosts.
When England came to bat in their first innings, hopes of a strong reply faded quickly. Ben Duckett fell early to a Lyon beauty, and wickets continued to tumble as Pat Cummins and Scott Boland joined the attack.
Only Ben Stokes and Harry Brook offered meaningful resistance, with Stokes battling hard to keep England's batting order intact. Jofra Archer added valuable runs late in the innings, but England were dismissed still trailing by 85 runs.
Australia’s second innings then cemented their dominance. Despite losing Weatherald and Labuschagne early, Travis Head took control with his fourth consecutive century at Adelaide Oval. Supported by Khawaja and Carey, Head pushed the lead beyond England’s reach, setting a daunting target of 435 for victory.
England’s hopes of a record-breaking chase faded early, but they refused to surrender. Jamie Smith struck a fighting half-century, while Will Jacks showed grit and determination to frustrate Australia and push the game deep into the final day. Their defiance earned applause from the crowd and ensured England exited with something positive to look back on.
Eventually, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland finished the job, sparking celebrations as Australia retained the urn. Alex Carey was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-turning century and steady presence behind the stumps, while Mitchell Starc contributed with bat and ball, including a valuable half-century in the first innings.
Having already secured retaining the Ashes, Australia now looks towards Melbourne and Sydney to complete a 5-0 whitewash. England still have plenty to fight for in this series, desperate to leave these shores with the countries first Test win since the 2010/11 Ashes series.