Adelaide, 21 December (H.S.): Australia demolished England by 82 runs on the final day of the third Ashes Test here on Sunday, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series after the hosts first innings totalled 371, powered by wicketkeeper Alex Carey's commanding century (106 off 143 balls, 8 fours, 1 six) and Usman Khawaja's steadfast 82 (126 balls, 10 fours).

England replied with 286 in their first dig, anchored by captain Ben Stokes' resilient 83 (198 balls), conceding an 85-run lead, before Australia erupted for 349 in their second innings led by opener Travis Head's masterful 170 (219 balls, 16 fours, 2 sixes) and Carey's supporting 72 (128 balls, 6 fours), enforcing a victory target of 435.

Resuming on day five at 207 for six, England mounted brief resistance through Jamie Smith's 60 (83 balls) and a 50-plus stand with Will Jacks (47), but momentum shifted decisively at 285 when Mitchell Starc induced Smith's catch at Cummins, precipitating a collapse. Jacks soon followed, with Jofra Archer (3) and Josh Tongue (1) falling cheaply; Brandon Carse remained unbeaten on 39.

Earlier contributions included Jack Crawley's 85, Joe Root's 39, and Harry Brook's 30, but England were all out for 352. Australia captain Pat Cummins, Starc, and spinner Nathan Lyon claimed three wickets apiece, Scott Boland one.

Australia won the first Test by eight wickets and repeated the margin in the second, with the fourth clash set for December 26 in Melbourne.

Detailed Match Scorecard

Australia 1st Innings: 371 all out

Alex Carey 106 (143); Usman Khawaja 82 (126); Mitchell Starc 54 (75)England: Jofra Archer 5 wickets; Brandon Carse 2; Will Jacks 2; Josh Tongue 1

England 1st Innings: 286 all out

Ben Stokes 83 (198); Jofra Archer 51; Harry Brook 45; Ben Duckett 29Australia: Pat Cummins 3; Scott Boland 3; Nathan Lyon 2; Mitchell Starc 1; Cameron Green 1

Australia 2nd Innings: 349 all out

Travis Head 170 (219); Alex Carey 72 (128); Usman Khawaja 40England: Josh Tongue 4; Brandon Carse 3; Jofra Archer 1; Ben Stokes 1; Will Jacks 1

England 2nd Innings: 352 all out (Target 435)

Fall of wickets accelerated post-285, sealing Australia's dominant triumph.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar