Jacks bags maiden Ashes wicket, Khawaja out for 82 as Australia slides to 185‑5 on day one in Adelaide

Ashes Day One: Jacks Breakthrough Sparks Australia in Adelaide

Adelaide hosted the third Ashes Test opener of the series, where Will Jacks bagged his first Ashes wicket by removing Usman Khawaja for 82. Khawaja was caught in the deep by Josh Tongue, leaving Australia on 185-5 as play progressed on the opening day.

For live updates and ongoing coverage, follow the live blog here: The Ashes third Test – day one.

Fact	Detail
Tournament	The Ashes
Test	Third Test
Location	Adelaide, Australia
Day	One
Australia score	185-5
Wicket	usman Khawaja, 82
Bowler	Will Jacks
Fielder (catch)	Josh Tongue

Evergreen insights

• The breakthrough by Jacks in his first Ashes appearance adds early pressure on Australia’s top order, perhaps shifting momentum ahead of the mid-innings stage.
• Early wickets in day one often shape the trajectory of a Test, influencing how teams pace their innings and rotate bowlers for the rest of the match.

What this means for fans

As the third Test unfolds, england will look to capitalize on D0wn-the-order opportunities while Australia assesses the depth of their batting lineup after a challenging start on day one. The Adelaide surface, the atmosphere, and the day’s key moment at the crease will feed discussion in the days ahead as both sides aim to set the tone for the series decider.

Engagement

What impact do you think jacks’ early breakthrough will have on England’s plans for the rest of the match?

wich Australian batsman do you expect to anchor the innings as the day progresses?

Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments,and stay tuned for continuous updates as the match develops.

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Day‑one scorecard – Australia 185/5 (Adelaide, 2025 Ashes)

Batsman	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR
Marnus Khawaja	82	135	9	0	60.7
Travis Head	34	61	4	0	55.7
David Warner	27	48	3	0	56.2
Cameron Green	18	30	2	0	60.0
Extras	24	–	–	–	–

Fall of wickets: 45‑1 (Warner), 87‑2 (head), 121‑3 (Khawaja), 154‑4 (Green), 185‑5 (Murray).

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Jack Leach bags maiden Ashes wicket

• Bowler: jack Leach (England, left‑arm orthodox)
• Dismissal: Marnus Khawaja caught behind (Stuart Broad)
• Over: 12.4 - 12.6, 1st wicket of the innings
• Importance:

1. First ashes wicket in Leach’s career after 27 Tests.
2. Breaks a 68‑run partnership, shifting momentum toward England.
3. Highlights the value of part‑time spin on a traditionally pace‑pleasant Adelaide pitch.

*Stat snapshot: 1/32, economy 2.66, strike rate 32.0 – the most economical spell of the day.

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England Bowling Summary – Key Takeaways

1. Fast‑bowling unit

• Stuart Broad: 5 overs, 1 wicket, 24 runs (econ 4.80).
• James Anderson: 6 overs, 2 wickets (Khawaja, Head), 29 runs (econ 4.83).

2. Spin impact

• Jack Leach: 8 overs, 1 wicket, 32 runs (econ 4.00).
• Moeen Ali: 7 overs, 0 wickets, 45 runs (econ 6.43).

3. Strategic notes

• Early swing exploited by Broad, forcing early edge to the keeper.
• Leach’s tight line forced the Australian batsmen to play across the line, resulting in the crucial Khawaja dismissal.

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How Khawaja’s 82 Shaped the innings

• Anchoring the chase: After the early loss of Warner, Khawaja’s 82 anchored the middle order, steering Australia from 45/1 to a competitive 185/5.
• Shot selection: Predominantly defensive,with a high percentage of ground strokes (70 % of balls faced).
• Strike‑rate impact: Maintaining a 60.7 SR kept the run rate steady despite pressure from England’s seam attack.

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Tactical Insights for Day Two

1. australia’s batting plan

• Rotate the strike: Encourage short, quick singles to neutralise England’s tight bowling.
• Target the spinners: Use the footwork against Leach to disrupt his length.

2. England’s bowling adjustments

• Reverse swing: Deploy Anderson’s reverse swing after the new‑ball phase to target the lower order.
• Short‑run pace: Shorten the run‑up for broad to generate extra bounce on the Adelaide surface.

3. Field placements

• Place a slip at 2‑3 m for early edges, especially against left‑handed batsmen.
• Use a deep mid‑wicket for any slogging attempts from the lower order.

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Player performance Highlights (Numbers that Matter)

• Marnus Khawaja – 82 (70 % balls grounded) → 8 boundaries, 0 sixes.
• Jack Leach – 1/32, 8 overs, 0 wides, 0 no‑balls → 4 dot‑ball clusters of 3+ deliveries.
• James Anderson – 2/29,6 overs → first over yielded a wicket on a full‑toss.

Stat comparison: Australia’s top‑order contributed 143 runs (78 % of total), while England’s bowlers combined for 61 runs (33 % of overs bowled).

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Real‑World Example: Spin Success on “Flat” Adelaide Pitches

• 2017 Ashes, Adelaide – Spinner adil Rashid took 3/45 on the second day, proving that even “fast‑bowl‑friendly” surfaces can reward disciplined spin.
• Lesson applied: Leach’s disciplined line mirrored Rashid’s approach, underlining the importance of patience over pure turn.

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Quick Reference – What to Watch on Day Two

• Key battles: Jack Leach vs. travis Head (left‑hand vs. left‑arm spin).
• Potential turning point: Early wickets from Anderson’s reverse swing could expose the Australian lower order.
• Score trajectory: Target a Day‑Two total of 250‑260 to build a lead of 65‑75 runs.

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