AUS vs ENG 3rd Test: The third Test of the Ashes series between Australia and England remained finely balanced on Day 1 at the Adelaide Oval, with both sides trading momentum across sessions. England struck early after Pat Cummins elected to bat, but Australia responded through steady partnerships, particularly from Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.
As on-field action unfolded, attention also returned to a heated sledging exchange between Steve Smith and Jofra Archer from the Brisbane Test, with Australian opener Jake Weatherald explaining the meaning behind Smith’s hand gesture. With Australia holding a 2–0 series lead, England faced mounting pressure to respond.
Key Takeaways on AUS vs ENG 3rd Test and Smith-Archer Incident
- Australia and England shared momentum on Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval
- England claimed early wickets after Pat Cummins chose to bat
- Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne steadied Australia before lunch
- Steve Smith missed the Adelaide Test despite featuring in earlier sledging incident
- Jake Weatherald explained Smith’s hand signal during the Brisbane Test clash
- England entered the match trailing 2–0 in the Ashes series
Match Context: Ashes Series Builds Toward a Tipping Point
The long break between the second and third Tests of the Ashes series only intensified the pressure surrounding the contest. Australia arrived in Adelaide holding a commanding 2–0 series lead, leaving the hosts with three opportunities to avoid defeat and retain the Ashes. While winning at home remains the standard for the Baggy Greens, the broader sense of urgency surrounded England.
For England, the stakes appeared significantly higher. After suffering two heavy defeats, another loss was described as not an option. The challenge extended beyond tactical execution, with expectations from supporters demanding visible fight on the field rather than assurances in press conferences.
Toss, Early Overs and England’s Initial Impact
Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat, setting the tone for an eventful opening session. England initially struggled with loose bowling but quickly recovered, removing both Australian openers within the space of two overs. The early breakthroughs gave England the upper hand during the first hour.
However, Australia managed to absorb the pressure. Usman Khawaja was handed a reprieve after being dropped by Harry Brook, a mistake that proved costly. Khawaja capitalised on the opportunity, finding the boundary repeatedly late in the session and ensuring Australia entered the break on steadier footing.
Khawaja and Labuschagne Steady Australia
Following the early wickets, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne formed a crucial partnership that restored balance to the innings. Their approach blunted England’s momentum and ensured Australia did not lose further ground before lunch.
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While England remained disciplined with the ball, the Australian batters stitched together solid partnerships to keep the contest evenly poised heading into the evening session. The day reflected a careful contest rather than dominance from either side.
Team Changes and Playing XIs for the 3rd Test
Australia welcomed back their captain Pat Cummins, a return that strengthened an already familiar bowling unit. Nathan Lyon also came back into the side, while Steven Smith was ruled out at the last minute, marking a significant absence.
England made a single change, with Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson, who struggled to find rhythm earlier in the series.
Australia Playing XI:
Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
England Playing XI:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
Smith-Archer Sledging Clash Comes Back Into Focus
Away from the immediate action in Adelaide, attention returned to a heated exchange between Steve Smith and Jofra Archer during England’s eight-wicket defeat at The Gabba. Smith had taken Archer on late in the match, striking consecutive boundaries before the verbal exchange intensified.
Archer was overheard on the stump mic questioning Smith’s shot selection, prompting Smith to respond by noting that Archer was bowling faster than in Australia’s first innings. On the following delivery, Archer bowled at 150.5km/h, which Smith pulled for six, leaving Australia needing 59 runs to win.
Meaning Behind Smith’s Hand Gesture Explained
After the six, Smith raised his right hand and formed a ‘U’ symbol using his thumb and index finger. Jake Weatherald later explained the gesture to Cricket.com.au, saying it was commonly used among South Australian cricketers and generally meant “have a rest” or “have a spell”.
Weatherald admitted he did not know the origin of the gesture but said it had been used frequently by players from South Australia, including Daniel Drew, who was the 12th man in Brisbane.
Review Incident and Rising On-Field Tensions
Weatherald revealed to AAP that tensions escalated after England lost a review in the seventh over. Archer struck Weatherald on the pad, an appeal was turned down, and England reviewed the decision unsuccessfully.
Weatherald said he commented that it was a “waste of a review” and believed the delivery was always going down leg. He later acknowledged Archer’s frustration following the exchange.
Exchange With Ben Stokes at Non-Striker’s End
The Australian opener also became involved in a verbal exchange with England captain Ben Stokes. After Weatherald told Archer to “spit it out,” Stokes interjected, pointing out that Weatherald had begun talking after scoring 70.
Weatherald responded that he only spoke because England was speaking first. Stokes replied that he said it “with a smile.” Weatherald later reflected that he wanted to be involved after seeing Archer and Smith clash.
Weatherald Reflects on Contest and Smith’s Approach
Speaking to AAP, Weatherald described the experience as “pretty cool,” highlighting the contrast between his own approach and Smith’s mindset. He noted Smith’s focus on finishing the game, calling him the best player he had ever seen.
Weatherald added that the contest showed how much the series meant to everyone and marked the first time he could clearly hear on-field exchanges during the series.
Smith Stays Tight-Lipped as Series Moves to Adelaide
Jofra Archer has since dismissed Weatherald lbw twice, once in Brisbane and again in Perth. Smith, however, declined to expand on the sledging episode, saying he was unsure what was said and suggested it was not a matter for public discussion.
Archer and Smith are set to come face-to-face again at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday as England attempt to respond after falling 2–0 behind in the Ashes series.
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FAQs on AUS vs ENG 3rd Test and Smith-Archer Incident
1. Where is the 3rd Ashes Test being played?
The third Ashes Test is being played at the Adelaide Oval.
2. Who won the toss in the 3rd Test?
Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat.
3. What does Steve Smith’s hand gesture mean?
According to Jake Weatherald, the gesture generally means “have a rest” or “have a spell”.
4. Why is England under pressure in the series?
England entered the third Test trailing 2–0 after two heavy defeats.
5. Which sources explained the sledging incident?
Details were shared through Cricket.com.au and comments made to AAP.
