England went into the final Ashes Test hoping to take the series score to 3-2, but after a tough day for the tourists, a 4-1 win for Australia now looks like the most likely scenario.
Centuries for eternal rivals Travis Head and Steve Smith at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) – Smith’s unbeaten 129 made him the second highest run-scorer in Ashes cricket history – putting the hosts 134 runs ahead and still with three first innings wickets in hand.
England fought hard but managed just five breakthroughs on the third day as Matthew Potts went wicketless from 25 overs, leaking 141 runs in the process.
This was the Durham seamer’s first match of the series and it proved as Australia relentlessly exposed his rustiness. On one stage, Potts belted out three consecutive quads from the head.
“It’s a day of punishment for the unprepared Potts.”
Michael Atherton of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast said: “It was a day of punishment for Potts and a day that was emblematic of the tour of England and perhaps the Buzz Ball project.”
Potts conceded 141 runs from 25 wicketless overs in Sydney.
“Potts has been with us since the start of Ben Stokes’ captaincy in 2022 and he bowled brilliantly against New Zealand, taking big wickets including Kane Williamson and looked like a very consistent line bowler against right-handed opponents, but he didn’t show any signs of that here.
“I have some sympathy for him because he was asked to do a job he was not prepared for. He hasn’t bowled for five weeks after bowling 16 overs in the two-day England Lions tour match in Canberra. He lacks form and rhythm.
“His performance for Durham in the County Championship last season was 29 wickets at 42.20 and he probably wouldn’t have made the team if Jamie Overton had been available and Chris Woakes hadn’t been injured last summer.
“He was a better right-handed hitter, but I felt like he didn’t know where to throw his head.”
There is no doubting Kearse’s heart, but his bowling track record gives a flattering look to his numbers. England are leaking runs at an alarming rate and his bowling is inconsistent. You would want his combination of heart and wicket-taking ability to be more consistent. I think he is a first change bowler.
Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton talks about Brydon Kearse
“England didn’t collapse, but the game went Australia’s way.”
Atherton said England’s approach, with captain Stokes belatedly relying on part-time spinners Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell, was “predictable”, but praised his team for not crumbling after a frightening opening session.
In the morning, Jacks dropped heads twice, including a dolly at deep midwicket, Zak Crawley shelled Smith on 12 at leg slip, and England smashed two reviews aimed at nightwatchman Michael Nether.
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Assessing England’s poor fielding in Sydney, including Nasser and Athers, Will Jacks howler
Atherton added: “England looked very tired by the end of the day, but I thought their situation was somewhat predictable from start to finish.
“I think Stokes was a bit slow in turning into spin. He gave Jacks one over before lunch, but I think he could have gone to Stokes and Bethel and asked other questions and taken the heat off the fast bowlers’ legs.”
“I was worried after the first session that it was going to completely implode, but it was as bad as you can imagine, but in reality England, although not in a good position by any means, pretty much held on with Australia in the box and winning 4-1.
“[England’s struggles]show they’re not completely gone. There’s a heartbeat going somewhere, but there are too many players who are out of form and under pressure – Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith for example.”
“I feel like Australia has the advantage in this match.”
It doesn’t seem like he’s too concerned about it. We just said, “Good luck, guys drop it.” I don’t think he takes it to heart. I thought he bowled very well after that and I imagine he’ll bat very well the second time as well. He is a confident man.
Jacob Bethell talks about Will Jacks’ drop catch
Bethel: ‘Tired’ England still in the fight
England’s Bethel, who secured his first Ashes wicket with a sweep, told reporters: “This is proper Test cricket.
“It was a tough day in terms of getting the graft in, but that’s what matters.
“Everyone is still very motivated to leave Australia with three wins and two losses and that is the main reason why everyone is fighting so hard.
“I think the players who have played all five Tests are mentally and physically tired, which is normal in a five-match series.
“In any Ashes Test you want to give your all. They’ll be tired, but the players have been through it before and know how to deal with it.”
“Everyone is still very keen to leave Australia with three wins and two losses,” Jacob Bethel told reporters at the SCG. That’s the main thing that keeps everyone fighting so hard.”
Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26
Australia leads with 3 wins and 1 loss in 5 consecutive matches
