Australia’s first-innings total of 371 in the third Ashes Test has placed the match in rare historical territory at the Adelaide Oval. Since the start of the 21st century, Australia have batted first at the venue 13 times in Test cricket. On only two of those occasions have they been bowled out for under 400.
The previous instance came in the 2010–11 Ashes, when Australia were dismissed for 245 in the first innings—also against England. That match went on to become Australia’s only Ashes defeat at the Adelaide Oval in the past 30 years, adding extra significance to the parallel.
While 371 is a competitive total, conditions at Adelaide and recent history suggest it is below Australia’s usual benchmark when batting first at this venue. The stat underlines the impact of England’s bowling effort, led by Jofra Archer’s five-wicket haul, in preventing Australia from fully capitalising on favourable batting conditions.
With history showing that sub-400 first-innings totals at Adelaide have rarely favoured Australia, England will take confidence from restricting the hosts and will be keen to make the most of the opportunity when they begin their reply.
