New Delhi: Australia hammered England by 82 runs in the third Test in Adelaide to clinch the Ashes 2025-26 and retain the urn. The hosts bagged their third straight victory to take an unassailable 3-0 lead and seal the five-match series. Mitchell Starc bagged a three-wicket haul to rip through England’s resistance on Day 5 to wrap up another thumping victory for the hosts.
Australia lost spinner Nathan Lyon at the start of Day 5 as he limped off the field due to a hamstring injury. However, that didn’t stop Australia from dominating the proceedings and securing what looked an inevitable victory. Starc dismissed Jamie Smith on 60 to break the 91-run stand between him and Will Jacks for the 7th wicket.
He then removed Jacks on 47, before sending Jofra Archer packing on 3 to run through England’s tail. Scott Boland dismissed Josh Tongue as England were bundled out for 352 runs in their 435-run chase in the second innings. The dominant win saw Australia clinch the Ashes in just 11 days of cricket in the series.
Australia continue to remain on top in WTC 2025-27 rankings
Australia continue to remain the no.1 team in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 rankings with a win PCT of 100. The Pat Cummins-led side has played six Test matches in the ongoing WTC cycle so far and have all matches to remain at the top spot on the points table.
England are reeling at the seventh spot on the WTC 2025-27 points table as their dismal run continues. Ben Stokes & Co. have managed only 2 wins in 8 matches in the ongoing cycle, highlighting their struggles. Their two victories came in the Test series against India at home earlier this year.
England have suffered five defeats and drawn 1 game in the ongoing cycle and are placed 7th with a win PCT of 27.08. England are ranked below India, who are in the sixth spot with a win PCT of 48.15 after their 2-0 clean sweep against South Africa at home last month.
Check out the updated WTC 2025-27 points table:
WTC 2025-27 points table (Photo: ICC)