Introduction
The cauldron of the Ashes is boiling over in Adelaide! After a dramatic start to the 2nd Test, Ashes 2025 has delivered another day of high-stakes cricket. Australia, having already pocketed the 1st Test in Perth , is now in a commanding position on Day 3 of the 2nd Test, looking to extend their series lead.
Following England’s first-innings total of 334, a score built largely on the back of Joe Root’s long-awaited maiden Ashes century on Australian soil, the hosts have responded with authority. As of stumps on Day 3, Australia sat at a formidable 378/6, holding a lead of 44 runs with four wickets still standing .
Table of Contents
- Australia’s Commanding Response
- Joe Root’s Historic Century
- The Pat Cummins Factor
- Adelaide Oval: A Fortress for the Ashes?
- What’s Next for the 2nd Test?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Australia’s Commanding Response
England’s bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson, worked hard to contain the Australian batters, but the home side’s depth has proven its worth . The innings has been a collective effort, with contributions from across the order ensuring they not only erased England’s total but began to build a significant lead.
This is a textbook response from a team that holds a 1-0 series advantage and is playing on a ground with a rich history of producing decisive results . The Australian strategy appears clear: bat deep, post a lead of 150+, and then unleash their potent pace attack on a wearing Adelaide surface.
Joe Root’s Historic Century
While Australia is currently on top, the story of the first innings was undoubtedly Joe Root. The former England captain finally broke his Australian duck, scoring his first-ever Test century in the country . His innings was a masterclass in concentration and technique, proving his world-class status on the biggest stage .
For a long time, Root’s highest score in Australia was 89, a fact the local media loved to highlight . His breakthrough century in this 2nd Test at the Gabba (though the match is now in Adelaide, reports confirm the century was in the first innings in Brisbane [[29], [11]]) has given England a platform, but his efforts may be in vain if Australia’s lead grows too large.
The Pat Cummins Factor
For Australia, the looming presence of their captain, Pat Cummins, is a massive psychological advantage. The premier fast bowler missed the opening Test with a back injury , but his return for this 2nd fixture has been a game-changer. His leadership and bowling prowess (with a career average of 22.55 and 91 wickets against England ) will be instrumental in the final two innings.
Cummins’ ability to extract bounce and seam on a day/night Adelaide pitch under the lights could be the decisive factor that hands Australia a 2-0 lead in the series .
Adelaide Oval: A Fortress for the Ashes?
The choice of Adelaide Oval for this crucial 2nd Test is no accident. Historically, it’s been a happy hunting ground for the home side. In the last five Ashes Tests here, Australia has won four, including dominant victories in 2017 and 2013 .
While England famously won here in 2010 with a mammoth 620/5, their overall record at the venue is poor, with 17 losses compared to just 9 wins . The ground’s tendency to produce results, with nearly 50% of matches won by the team batting first , adds immense pressure on England to fight back on Day 4.
What’s Next for the 2nd Test?
Day 4 promises to be pivotal. Australia will aim to quickly add another 100-150 runs to their total, setting a target that will be extremely difficult for an England batting order that has looked fragile outside of Root. Key questions for the visitors include:
- Can England’s bowlers break the lower-order partnership between Alex Carey and the tail?
- How will Ben Stokes’ men handle the pressure of chasing a large fourth-innings target?
- Can they replicate their first-innings discipline with the ball?
For fans of the series, you can find a full Ashes 2025 schedule and fixtures to never miss a moment of this epic battle.
Conclusion
The Ashes 2025 is living up to its legendary status. Australia, playing with the confidence of a team that holds a series lead and has history on their side, is firmly in the driver’s seat for the 2nd Test. While Joe Root’s century provided a glimmer of hope for England, the task ahead is monumental. All eyes will be on Adelaide on Day 4 as the battle for the urn intensifies.