AUS vs ENG 3rd Test Results

4:35 AM IST And... breathe. The Ashes 2025/26 score line reads 3-0 in favor of Australia. They have proved once again why they are a side to beat, especially at home. But England can feel much more positive about Melbourne and Sydney after the fight they’ve shown here. They will go back to the drawing board and assess where things went wrong. They did come close this time around, but couldn't win the clutch moments, the way the Aussies did. Well then, both teams will enjoy the Christmas break, but what follows after that is the BOXING DAY TEST. It's going to be pure theatre as the Melbourne Cricket Ground prepares for the fourth and penultimate Test. England cannot win the series, but surely will feel a bit consoled with a 3-2 result. We will be back on Friday, 26th December, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 11.30 pm GMT (the previous day). Until then, take care, stay safe. Cheers!

4:33 AM IST Alex Carey is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant contribution with the bat. He notched up a century in the first inning, and followed it with a crucial 72. He was instrumental behind the stumps as well, with 6 catches in the match and an electric stumping. He starts by saying that it's a great feeling as they knew what was on the line coming into this match. Says that the boys stayed in the present and have chipped in throughout the series so far. Expresses his delight at winning in front of his home crowd. Appreciates the way Travis Head batted, calling it a very special knock. Says scoring four Test hundreds back-to-back at the same venue is just insane and shows how good he has been for them. About his batting, Carey shares that he feels lucky to play a lot of Sheffield Shield cricket on a familiar surface. Also adds that Usman Khawaja played really well at a late notice. Details that having patience and trying to get through some good spells of bowling and picking up the boundaries were important on such a surface. Expresses his happiness of scoring a hundred in front of his family. Adds that when you keep to a really good bowling attack, it gives you a lot of opportunities. Mentions that Nathan Lyon was simply outstanding with the ball on the fourth day. Ends up by thanking the crowd and says it's been a lot of fun.

4:32 AM IST But as Stokes stressed at the start of this match about showing a bit of a dog, England refused to surrender. The chase started cautiously, then ignited. Joe Root and Zak Crawley provided stability before Harry Brook launched a counter-attack that suddenly made the impossible seem achievable. When Brook fell off an uninspiring shot selection, Will Jacks stepped up, playing with composure beyond his experience. Then came Jamie Smith. Thrown into the furnace in the toughest of theaters, the young wicketkeeper displayed outstanding composure. He didn't fear smashing the new ball against Starc and Cummins, attacking with freedom and forcing Australia onto the back foot. But then came another brainfade moment. Failing to resist the adrenaline, he threw it away with a rash shot just when England needed him most. Jacks and Carse launched another counterattack, with a brisk 52-run stand, only to be broken by a spectacular grab by Marnus Labuschagne off Starc's bowling. Then, the wheels just came off and Australia landed the killer blow to finish things off.

4:25 AM IST The English skipper, Ben Stokes, says that the dream they arrived with here is gone now, which is tough to take. Adds that everyone in the dressing room is hurting. They came here with a clear goal, but couldn't get it done and it stings but they have to move forward. Mentions that Australia were far more consistent than them in the pressure moments, which was the real difference. Says that they showed great fight, and when Smith and Jacks were batting, they had some hope of pulling out a remarkable chase,  but it wasn't to be. Further adds that they restricted Australia to a par score but couldn't respond in the way they wanted. Then in the second innings, picking up 6 for 60-odd runs showed what they are capable of,  but losing those three wickets late on Day 4 put them on the back foot. However, he has seen enough character from his team which he wanted, despite the result not going their way. Tells that they only have themselves to blame as a unit, and they just were not ruthless enough to challenge the Aussies. Ends by saying that they are not going to just roll over and let the rest of the Ashes drift by, but throw everything in the last two games.

4:22 AM IST The victorious captain of Australia, Pat Cummins, beaming with a broad smile, walks up for a chat now. He begins by saying that it wasn't easy, but feels awesome to end up on the right side. Highlights that the last couple of months have been of a lot of grind and they needed to be patient. Points that you cannot really rush things while playing in Australia. It's important to grind in an old-school fashion and says that he loved the toil from all the guys on the field. Adds that it's always about focusing on what they really do as bowlers, and says that they are focused on what they can bring to the table in different conditions.

4:20 AM IST ... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...