Marnus Labuschagne turned the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 at the Adelaide Oval into his personal fielding highlight reel, as the Australia star delivered a moment that changed the outcome of the match on the final day against England.

England was marching towards scripting the history while chasing a massive 435-run target against Australia in Adelaide. They found themselves in a good position when the target had dropped below 100 with three wickets still at their hand, and Will Jacks was digging in with calm and courage.

Marnus Labuschagne’s magic ends England’s fight in 3rd Ashes Test

The partnership between Jacks and Brydon Carse had crossed 50, and Australia started to feel the pressure in the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval. But yet again Mitchell Starc delivered a masterclass to ensure Australia retained the Ashes Urn for the fifth straight time.

Starc delivered the ball a little fuller than normal, but not a full ball, at 138.5 km per hour. It was outside the off stump, and Jacks tried to play a drive shot, but the ball was too far away from his body. As the ball hit the pitch, it moved slightly straight.

Because of that movement, the ball hit the thick outside edge of Jack’s bat instead of the middle. The ball flew towards the Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey. He dived full stretch to his right and looked well to take the catch, but Labuschagne was also running in from slip and reached the ball first.

Marnus Labuschagne’s flying catch crushes England’s dream chase at Adelaide

Wearing his familiar white floppy hat, Labuschagne read the situation perfectly and pulled off an incredible catch. As Carey was still in mid-dive, Labuschagne dove to his left in front of the wicketkeeper and reached out with his left hand to take an amazing one-handed catch.

The Australian star took the clean catch inches above the turf, right in front of Carey with a full dive. The catch ended Jack’s gritty knock of 47 from 137 balls and broke a dangerous 52-run stand just when England had a real chance to win to make a comeback in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26.

It was a very special and difficult catch, showing Labuschagne’ great effort and quick reflexes. On the other hand, Jacks had played a tough and patient innings, so after getting out, he was very upset because he knew his wicket was important for his team.

THERE IS NO WAY HE HAS DONE IT AGAIN!

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE TAKE A BOW!#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/EkxdtkFsrg

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 21, 2025

The dream we came here with is over: Ben Stokes

Well, Australia eventually won the third Test by 82 runs to win the Ashes 2025-26. With a 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series, the Kangaroos continued their dominance over England by winning their fifth straight Ashes.

After losing the Ashes, England captain Ben Stokes was shattered. Stokes said at the post-match presentation, “The dream we came here with is over. Everyone is hurting. They managed to outplay us. We were confident we could chase it; it was a very good wicket.

We wanted a lot more from the team, and I have seen that. We can take a lot from this game; we have learned a lot. We've not been consistent or relentless enough. We've got people coming over here; we are going to give our absolute everything.”