AUS Vs ENG, 5th Ashes Test: Travis Head, Steve Smith Hundreds Put Australia In Control After Day 3

Travis Head's third century of the series and Steve Smith's first guided Australia to a 134-run first-innings lead over England by stumps on the third day of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney. Head resumed Tuesday (January 6, 2026) at 91 and was out for 163 from 166 balls. Smith was 129 not out at stumps, elevating a relatively disappointing series with the bat. At stumps, Australia were 518-7 in reply to England's first innings of 384. Beau Webster was unbeaten on 42 and had put on 81 runs with Smith for the eighth wicket, expanding Australia's lead.

Updated on: 7 January 2026 9:53 am

England vs Australia Ashes 5th Test day 3 photo-Ben Stokes

England's Ben Stokes gestures to teammate Josh Tongue, right, as they leave the field on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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England vs Australia Ashes 5th Test day 3 photo-

England supporters react during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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England vs Australia Ashes 5th Test day 3 photo-Steve Smith

Australia's Steve Smith bats during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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Australia's Steve Smith celebrates after scoring a century during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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Australia vs England Ashes 5th Test day 3 photo-Cameron Green

Australia's Cameron Green green bats during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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Australia's Cameron Green hits a six during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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Australia vs England Ashes 5th Test day 3 photo-Ben Stokes

England's Ben Stokes reacts during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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Australia vs England Ashes 5th Test day 3 photo-Steve Smith

Australia's Steve Smith reacts during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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Australia's Steve Smith reacts as he avoids a bouncer during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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Australia vs England Ashes 5th Test day 3 photo-Brydon Carse

England's Brydon Carse, centre, is congratulated by teammates after taking the wicket of Australia Usman Khawaja during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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Australia vs England Ashes 5th Test day 3 photo-Jacob Bethell

England's Jacob Bethell, centre, is congratulated bye teammates after dismissing Australia's Travis Head during play on day three of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker

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