🔗 Share this article Australia v England: Final Ashes Test, The Third Day Gets Underway The cricketers are preparing to step onto the pitch for an lengthy first session scheduled to run for two and a half hours. Should Travis Head remain at the crease by the lunch break, Australia will be strapped into the driving seat. A Sea of Pink for a Cause The SCG is observing Jane McGrath Day today, with everybody wearing pink in support of the McGrath Foundation. The occasion commemorates the charity's dedication to offering support for cancer patients. A supporter clad entirely in pink makes their way into the Sydney Cricket Ground. A Heated Exchange Mars the Evening The intent was unclear whether it was a signal sent to the Australians or his own bowlers. Ben Stokes signed off a frustrating second evening in Sydney by exchanging remarks out in the middle with Marnus Labuschagne. Seemingly reacting to something said by Labuschagne, Stokes was audibly telling “shut the fuck up” as the over concluded. He subsequently approached and put an arm around his opponent’s shoulder to continue the exchange. As the umpires moved in, the England skipper departed after giving Labuschagne a squeeze. As per the ICC code of conduct, Stokes potentially faces sanction for “inappropriate physical contact”. The Spin Debate Ignites Anew Shane Warne's biography title 'No Spin' was not an endorsement of the tactic. Speaking for the dead is unacceptably presumptuous, but his record in life was loud and clear in backing his guild. Teams should always give themselves the option of spin bowling was his common contention. Nor is allegiance of style the only factor. Former pace colleague Jason Gillespie had the same view watching the fifth Ashes Test. “You need that variety,” he said on radio. The hosts lacked that option. Their attack featured three specialist fast bowlers, a couple of curiously employed all-rounders and a sprinkle of part-time guff. They permitted England's batting to accelerate, with substantial partnerships while Joe Root went on to his top score in Australia of 160 and England their highest score of the series, 384. It would have been helpful to turn to specialist spin when Root and Harry Brook were coasting. It might have eased the burden to prevent Mitchell Starc from a taxing fourth spell. Setting the Scene for Day Three Hello and welcome to live coverage of day three at the SCG. A crucial morning session awaits, but it’s impossible to escape the end-of-term feeling that has characterized this Test so far. We’re used to anticlimactic final Tests, especially on Australian soil. This feels flatter than the rest, largely due to the pre-series hype. Two inconsequential matches? It’s not what we thought ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes. There isn’t even the jeopardy of a possible series sweep; the series will end either 4-1 or 3-2 to Australia. Right here, right now, 4-1 looks more likely. An underwhelming display with the ball from England let Australia race to 166 for two, trailing by 218 runs, in only 34.1 overs. Travis Head is unbeaten on 91 from 87 balls; Michael Neser, who came in as nightwatchman has 1 from 15. Neser was struck nastily on the elbow near the end of play, a reminder that this pitch – though generally batsman-friendly – is on the capricious side. Should England's bowlers, namely Matthew Potts, discover the right length this morning they can force their way back into the game. Regarding this specific game, this is a big first session. It’s just that the match isn’t as big as we hoped.