Day three at the Sydney Cricket Ground delivered a powerful blend of emotion, drama, and cricketing excellence as the fifth and final Ashes Test of 2026 unfolded. The stage was set for a contest steeped in history, but as the day’s play progressed, it became clear that this would be remembered as much for its farewells as for its fierce competition. Usman Khawaja, a mainstay of Australian cricket and a symbol of resilience, took his final bow in international whites, while Steve Smith and Cameron Green powered Australia into a slender but significant first-innings lead over England.
The morning session began with anticipation and a tinge of nostalgia. Khawaja, who had announced his retirement ahead of the Test, took guard knowing this would be his last appearance at the crease for Australia. The crowd of nearly 40,000 at the SCG sensed the gravity of the moment. Every run, every shot, and every defensive prod was met with applause, as if the spectators were determined to savor every second of his farewell innings.
Khawaja’s final stand, however, was not to be a fairytale finish. On 17 runs, after facing 49 balls, he was trapped leg before wicket by an inswinging full toss from Brydon Carse. The dismissal itself was routine, but what followed was anything but. There was a brief review, a final glance at the big screen, and then the SCG erupted in a standing ovation. Forty thousand voices rose in unison to salute a cricketer whose journey had transcended statistics and scorecards. As a Pakistani-born, Muslim player who quietly fought for acceptance in the Australian team, Khawaja’s legacy was about more than just runs—it was about belonging. The ovation was a tribute not just to his cricket, but to his impact on the sport’s culture in Australia.
"The dismissal itself was forgettable. The moment was not," wrote one commentator, capturing the sense of reflection that swept the ground. Khawaja’s presence at the crease had always been steadying, and in this innings, he had once again partnered with Steve Smith to rebuild after Travis Head’s earlier fireworks. Head, in blistering form, had smashed 163 runs, putting Australia in a strong position as they chased down England’s first-innings total of 384.
With Khawaja’s departure, the baton was passed to Smith and Alex Carey, who continued to chip away at the English lead. Carey’s time at the crease was brief, but Smith—ever the anchor—stood tall. He was joined by Cameron Green, and together they fashioned a partnership that would tilt the balance in Australia’s favor. Smith, in particular, seemed intent on making the SCG his stage, driving, pulling, and nudging his way into the 90s as the session wore on.
The English attack, led by Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell, Ben Stokes, and Josh Tongue, toiled hard but found little reward as the pitch flattened out. Carse, who had claimed Khawaja’s wicket, continued to charge in with vigor, but Smith’s composure and Green’s resurgence blunted the threat. The 101st over brought a moment of exhilaration as Green launched Stokes for a towering six, drawing cheers from the home crowd. It was a partnership built on patience and aggression in equal measure, and by tea, Australia had reached 377 for 6—overtaking England’s total and seizing the initiative.
Smith’s innings was a masterclass in concentration and shot selection. He moved into the 90s with a flurry of boundaries, delighting the SCG faithful who have so often seen him at his best on this ground. At one point, Smith slipped awkwardly at the non-striker’s end and appeared to roll his ankle, but after a few anxious moments, he shook off the discomfort and continued his march towards a century. Green, meanwhile, looked in sublime touch, notching up 31 runs and playing some of his best cricket in recent memory.
As the day progressed, it became clear that Australia’s deep batting lineup was paying dividends. With the likes of Mitchell Starc still to come, the hosts enjoyed the luxury of batting depth that England struggled to match. The mood in the Australian camp was buoyant, but there was a sense of respect for the contest—this was, after all, the final Test of what had been described as an "enthralling Ashes summer." The match remained evenly poised, with both teams aware that a single session could swing the momentum.
For England, the challenge was to find breakthroughs on a wicket that offered little assistance to their bowlers. Stokes, the indefatigable captain, bowled his 25th over of the innings, leading by example and trying to inspire his side. Jacob Bethell, the left-arm spinner, probed away but was unable to break the Smith-Green partnership. Josh Tongue’s pace and bounce had troubled the Australians at times, but it was not enough to stem the flow of runs.
The broader narrative of the day, though, belonged to Khawaja. His retirement had shifted the focus from mere numbers to the broader impact he had made on Australian cricket. In the days leading up to the Test, Khawaja had spoken candidly about his journey—about belonging, about breaking barriers, and about finding acceptance in a sport that had not always been welcoming to players of diverse backgrounds. His final innings may not have been a statistical highlight, but the standing ovation he received was a testament to the respect and admiration he had earned.
The Ashes finale at the SCG is far from over. As the sun set on day three, Australia held a slender lead with Smith approaching a well-deserved century and Green set for more runs. The contest remains delicately balanced, with England still in the hunt and plenty of cricket left to play. But whatever the final result, day three will be remembered for the way a crowd came together to honor a cricketer who made history in more ways than one.
As play resumes, all eyes will be on Smith and Green to see if they can extend Australia’s advantage, while England will be desperate for early wickets to wrest back control. The Ashes may be a battle for supremacy, but on this day, cricket itself was the winner—reminding us that the game’s most powerful moments are not always found in the scorebook, but in the spirit of those who play it.
