Ashes 2025: Mitchell Starc shines with bat and ball as Australia dominate England at The Gabba, Visitors 134/6 on Day 3

Australia dominated day three at The Gabba, extending their first-innings lead and leaving England struggling at 134/6, 43 runs behind.

Australia strengthened their control in the second Ashes Test at The Gabba on day three. They first added to their big first-innings total before their bowlers struck important wickets under the lights, leaving England struggling at 134/6 in their second innings, still 43 runs behind.

Resuming at 378/6, Australia’s lower order, led by Mitchell Starc, made sure the team fully capitalized on their strong position. Starc, unbeaten at the start of the day, scored 77 runs, helping Australia reach 511 in their first innings. He shared a 75-run partnership with Scott Boland (21), while wicketkeeper Alex Carey contributed a valuable 63. Brydon Carse was the standout bowler for England, finishing with 4/152.

After the lower-order partnership ended, the remaining wickets fell fairly quickly, with England’s bowlers struggling through the morning session. Australia ended up with a commanding first-innings lead of 177 runs.

Chasing the deficit under the lights, England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett started positively, reducing 48 runs of the deficit in just 7.3 overs. But the Australian fast bowlers soon made breakthroughs. Scott Boland removed Ben Duckett (15), while Michael Neser dismissed both Ollie Pope (26) and the set opener Zak Crawley (44).

England continued to score at a decent pace, but the Australian bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals. By the end of the day, Starc claimed England’s wicketkeeper Jaimie Smith (4). Earlier, Joe Root (15) and Harry Brook (15) fell to Starc and Boland, turning the momentum in Australia’s favor. Starc, Neser, and Boland each finished the day with two wickets.

After the day, Boland said Australia focused on bowling in the right areas, trusting that the pitch’s uneven bounce would create chances. He praised the lower order for tiring England’s bowlers and helping the team extend play into the night session. Boland also highlighted Starc’s batting and noted that, despite minor fitness issues that all fast bowlers face, Starc manages them well.

“We just wanted to put as many balls in the right area as we could. I think we bowled really well. They always play their shots, and I feel like this kind of wicket, with some up and down, if we put as many balls in the right areas they’re going to give you some chances. Nes held on to a couple of great catches to get us going. [Batting time earlier] That was our main objective, get some overs into the England bowlers but also to stretch out our bowling into the night session. Starcy batted awesome. [Starc niggles] Every fast bowler is in a little bit of pain but he seems to push through better than most.,” said Boland as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.