🔗 Share this article Australia v The Three Lions: Fifth Ashes Test, The Third Day Gets Underway The players are about to take the field for an lengthy first session scheduled to run for two and a half hours. If Travis Head is batting at lunch, Australia will be strapped into the commanding position. A Pink Outpouring of Support The SCG is observing Jane McGrath Day today, with spectators adorned in pink in support of the McGrath Foundation. The occasion commemorates the foundation's commitment to providing cancer support. A fan dressed in all pink arrives at the Sydney Cricket Ground. A Heated Exchange Mars the Evening It was hard to know whether it was a signal sent to the Australians or his own bowlers. Ben Stokes signed off a frustrating second evening in Sydney by exchanging remarks out in the middle with Marnus Labuschagne. Appearing to respond to a comment by Labuschagne, Stokes was heard saying “shut the fuck up” at the end of the over. He subsequently approached and put an arm around his opponent’s shoulder to continue the exchange. As the umpires moved in, the England skipper departed after giving Labuschagne a squeeze. Under ICC regulations, Stokes potentially faces sanction for “inappropriate physical contact”. Questions Over Australia's Bowling Tactics Shane Warne's biography title 'No Spin' was not an endorsement of the tactic. It's presumptuous to speak for the deceased, but his record in life was loud and clear in supporting fellow spinners. Teams should always give themselves the option of spin bowling was his common contention. Nor is allegiance of style the only factor. His old teammate Jason Gillespie echoed the sentiment observing the Sydney Test. “You need that variety,” he said on radio. Australia didn’t have it. Instead, they had three specialist fast bowlers, two all-rounders used in puzzling roles and a sprinkle of part-time guff. They permitted England's batting to accelerate, with significant stands while Joe Root went on to his top score in Australia of 160 and England their best total in the Ashes, 384. It could have been advantageous to introduce a specialist spinner when Root and Harry Brook were settling in. It might have eased the burden to prevent Mitchell Starc from a taxing fourth spell. Setting the Scene for Day Three Hello and welcome to live coverage of day three at the SCG. There’s a big first session coming, yet one cannot ignore the end-of-term feeling that has characterized this Test so far. We’re used to anticlimactic final Tests, particularly when England play in Australia. This feels flatter than the rest, mainly because there was such expectation. Two inconsequential matches? It’s not what we thought when we were imagining the 2025-26 Ashes. There isn’t even the jeopardy of a possible series sweep; the outcome will be either 4-1 or 3-2 to Australia. Right here, right now, 4-1 looks more likely. A poor bowling performance from England allowed Australia to charge to 166 for two, trailing by 218 runs, in only 34.1 overs. Travis Head is unbeaten on 91 from 87 balls; Michael Neser, who came in as nightwatchman has scored a single from fifteen deliveries. Neser was struck nastily on the elbow near the end of play, highlighting that the surface – though generally batsman-friendly – is on the capricious side. If England, particularly Matthew Potts, find their length this morning they can force their way back into the game. Regarding this specific game, this is a big first session. It's simply that the fixture lacks the significance we anticipated.