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A moment of brilliance can change the complexion of a Test match, and Zak Crawley provided just that on a pivotal opening day in Adelaide. With England desperate for a breakthrough, the tall opener pulled off a breathtaking one-handed catch that not only sent Travis Head back to the pavilion but also injected a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the English camp.
Brydon Carse bags the big fish
The atmosphere at the Adelaide Oval on Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test was thick with tension. England, trailing 0-2 in the series, knew they needed a dominant performance, particularly with the ball, to stand any chance of reclaiming the coveted urn. After Jofra Archer provided an early jolt by dismissing Jake Weatherald, the pressure was on Brydon Carse to maintain the momentum against a dangerous Travis Head. What followed was a moment of individual brilliance that momentarily overshadowed the broader struggle.
Zak Crawley takes a brilliant catch to dismiss Travis Head
It was the 10th over of Australia’s innings. Carse delivered a wide half-volley, inviting Head to unleash his characteristic power through the off-side. Head obliged, smacking the ball with considerable force, aiming for the boundary ropes between cover and point. For a split second, it looked destined for four.
However, stationed at short cover, Crawley had other ideas. In a display of incredible reflexes and athleticism, the usually elegant opener contorted his tall frame, diving low and sharply to his left. His right hand, almost impossibly, speared out and latched onto the hard-hit ball just inches from the turf. It was a one-handed, instinctive grab that defied the speed and trajectory of Head’s shot.
Here’s the video:
NO NO NO ZAK CRAWLEY YOU CANNOT DO THAT YOU CANNOT DO THAT pic.twitter.com/Rh6KPKFjVI
— What is Zak Crawley doing? (@ZakCrawleyFan) December 17, 2025
Also READ: AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025-26: Pitch report for 3rd Test, Adelaide Oval Stats and Records
Jofra Archer keeps Australia at bay
At the end of an action-packed second session on Day 1 in Adelaide, Australia reached 194/5, following a session that swung dramatically between both sides. Archer was the clear standout for the tourists, finishing the session as the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, including a devastating burst immediately after lunch where he dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in the same over. Despite the collapse, Australia found a steady hand in Alex Carey, who remains unbeaten on 48 and has played a vital role in stabilizing the innings.
Also READ: AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025-26: Adelaide Weather Forecast for the 3rd Test
