Labuschagne's Catch Seals Australia's 3-0 Ashes Lead

Marnus Labuschagne's spectacular diving catch on the final day of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval on December 21, 2025, dismissed England's Will Jacks and sealed a decisive victory for Australia, allowing the hosts to retain the Ashes urn with a commanding 3-0 series lead.

England entered the day chasing a formidable target of 435 runs, the highest successful fourth-innings pursuit in Test history if achieved. By the time the required runs dipped below 100, with three wickets remaining, the visitors appeared poised for a remarkable comeback. Jacks, batting patiently for 47 runs off 137 deliveries, had forged a crucial 52-run partnership with Brydon Carse, steadying England's innings on a batsman-friendly pitch.

The turning point came in the 113th over when Australia's pace bowler Mitchell Starc delivered a probing ball at 138.5 kilometers per hour, pitched slightly fuller and angling across Jacks from outside off stump. Jacks, attempting a defensive drive, got a thick outside edge as the ball nipped back slightly off the pitch. The ball raced low toward wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who dived full length to his right. But Labuschagne, positioned at second slip and wearing his...