Sydney Test Drifts Toward Draw as Australia Dominate Day Three
The fifth Ashes Test in Sydney moved toward a draw by the end of Day Three, with Australia firmly in control. England’s decision to bat first backfired as early wickets exposed another Bazball collapse, despite a strong 160 from Joe Root and a solid partnership with Harry Brook. England posted 384, but Australia responded with a dominant batting display, reaching 518 for 7. Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 129, supported by Travis Head’s 163 and Beau Webster’s 42 not out. With a 134-run lead and wickets in hand, Australia held the upper hand as England struggled to make an impact.
Muhammad Saad Ismail 
The Sydney Test was heading toward a draw as Day Three ended. The Ashes once again proved to be a graveyard for the Bazball motto. Australia held a strong grip on the fifth Test match as the Aussie batters humiliated the visitors.
The fifth Test match was scheduled in Sydney, where the hosts already had a 3–1 lead. After winning the toss, the English captain chose to bat first, which proved to be a bad decision. The first three English batters returned to the pavilion with just 57 runs on the board. It felt like the Aussies were taking on the English once again, as the Bazball approach collapsed.
However, a staggering 170-run partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook steadied the innings. Harry Brook scored 84 runs, but after his dismissal, the English batting fell like the last wall. A few decent contributions from Jamie Smith and Will Jacks helped England reach a total of 384.
Joe Root was the highlight of the innings, scoring 160 runs. He held one end for England until he was dismissed as the ninth wicket. The Aussie pacers dominated the bowling figures, with Michael Neser taking four wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland claimed two wickets each. Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne picked up one wicket apiece.
The home team then started their batting. The English pacers got an early breakthrough when Jake Weatherald was trapped LBW by Ben Stokes, but it turned out to be their first and last glimpse of hope. The Aussie batters dominated, with opener Travis Head scoring 163 runs before being dismissed by Jacob Bethell. Steve Smith scored 129 not out, while Marnus Labuschagne added 48 runs and Beau Webster remained unbeaten on 42.
Australia posted a massive total as Smith’s side reached 518 for 7. The home side gained a lead of 134 runs with three wickets still in hand. At the crease were Smith on 129 and Webster on 42. The English pacers were unable to restrict the Australian batters. Brydon Carse picked up three wickets, while Ben Stokes took two.
As Day Three came to an end, the match was heading toward a draw, with Australia still having two batters at the crease. England barely had a chance to win the game.
