🔗 Share this article The Baggy Greens v England: Final Ashes Test, Day Three Unfolds 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 Sea of Pink for a Cause The SCG is observing Jane McGrath Day today, with everybody wearing 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 swapping words out in the middle with Marnus Labuschagne. Appearing to respond to a comment by Labuschagne, Stokes was heard saying “shut the fuck up” as the over concluded. He then walked over and placed a hand on the batsman's shoulder to prolong the conversation. As the umpires moved in, the England skipper departed after giving Labuschagne a squeeze. As per the ICC code of conduct, the England captain could be reprimanded for making improper 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. Sides should always retain a spin bowling option was his frequent argument. Loyalty to a bowling type isn't the sole consideration. His old teammate Jason Gillespie had the same view watching the fifth Ashes Test. “You need that variety,” he said on radio. Australia didn’t have it. Their attack featured a trio of pace specialists, a couple of curiously employed all-rounders and some token part-time bowling. 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 would have been helpful to turn to specialist spin when Root and Harry Brook were coasting. It would have been helpful to prevent Mitchell Starc from a taxing fourth spell. Setting the Scene for Day Three Hello and welcome to live coverage of the third day's play in Sydney. A crucial morning session awaits, yet one cannot ignore the series finale atmosphere that has pervaded this Test so far. Final Ashes Tests often prove anticlimactic, especially on Australian soil. This feels flatter than the rest, mainly because there was such expectation. Two inconsequential matches? It’s not what we thought ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes. There isn’t even the jeopardy of a possible series sweep; 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 allowed Australia to charge to 166 for two, a deficit of 218, in only 34.1 overs. Travis Head is 91 not out 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, a reminder that this pitch – though largely good for batting – is somewhat unpredictable. If England, particularly Matthew Potts, find their length this morning they could reignite the contest. Regarding this specific game, this is a big first session. It's simply that the fixture lacks the significance we anticipated.