🔗 Share this article Australia v England: Final Ashes Test, The Third Day Unfolds The cricketers are preparing to step onto the pitch for an lengthy first session that will last two and a half hours. If Travis Head is batting at lunch, Australia will be firmly in the driving seat. A Pink Outpouring of Support It’s Jane McGrath Day at the SCG, with spectators adorned in pink in solidarity with 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. On-Field Tensions Bubble Over The intent was unclear 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. Seemingly reacting to something said by Labuschagne, Stokes was heard saying “shut the fuck up” as the over concluded. He then walked over and put an arm around his opponent’s shoulder to continue the exchange. With the officials intervening, Stokes walked away following a brief pat. As per the ICC code of conduct, Stokes potentially faces sanction for making improper physical contact. The Spin Debate Ignites Anew Shane Warne's biography title 'No Spin' was not an endorsement of the tactic. It's presumptuous to speak for the deceased, but his lifelong stance was unequivocal in backing his guild. Teams should always give themselves the option of spin bowling was his frequent argument. Nor is allegiance of style the only factor. Former pace colleague Jason Gillespie had the same view observing the Sydney Test. “You need that variety,” he stated during commentary. The hosts lacked that option. Their attack featured a trio of pace specialists, two all-rounders used in puzzling roles and a sprinkle of part-time guff. They had an England innings that was allowed to pull away, with significant stands while Joe Root went on to his highest score in Australia of 160 and England their highest score of the series, 384. It could have been advantageous to introduce a specialist spinner when Root and Harry Brook were coasting. It might have eased the burden to save Mitchell Starc from bowling a 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, but it’s impossible to escape the end-of-term feeling that has pervaded this Test so far. Final Ashes Tests often prove anticlimactic, especially on Australian soil. This one seems particularly subdued, mainly because there was such expectation. Two dead rubbers? It defies our predictions ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes. The stakes are further reduced of a potential whitewash; the series will end either 4-1 or 3-2 to Australia. Right here, right now, a 4-1 scoreline appears probable. An underwhelming display with the ball from England let Australia race to 166 for two, a deficit of 218, in only 34.1 overs. Travis Head is unbeaten on 91 from 87 balls; the nightwatchman Michael Neser has 1 from 15. Neser received a painful blow to the elbow just before the close, a reminder that this pitch – though generally batsman-friendly – is on the capricious side. Should England's bowlers, namely Matthew Potts, discover the right length this morning they could reignite the contest. In the context of the match, this is a big first session. It’s just that the match isn’t as big as we hoped.