Adelaide, Australia – December 20, 2025 – Australia are just four wickets away from retaining the Ashes after off-spinner Nathan Lyon delivered a decisive spell late on day four of the Third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, leaving England on the verge of a crushing series defeat.
England ended the day on 207 for 6, chasing a daunting notional target of 435, after Lyon ripped through the middle order to swing momentum firmly back in Australia’s favour. If Australia take the remaining four wickets on the final day, they will move 3–0 up in the series, retain the Ashes after just 11 days of cricket, and secure a fourth consecutive home Ashes series win over England.
Lyon’s Late Burst Breaks England Resistance
England briefly threatened to prolong the contest thanks to a determined innings from Zak Crawley, but Lyon’s experience and guile proved decisive. The off-spinner removed Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and Crawley himself in a devastating six-over spell, during which England lost three wickets for just 17 runs.
Crawley, who top-scored with an impressive 85, was stumped after being drawn out of his crease by Lyon’s flight and turn. His dismissal left England at 194 for 6, extinguishing hopes of an improbable comeback.
Earlier, Brook had been bowled attempting a reverse sweep, a moment that electrified the Adelaide Oval crowd of more than 200,000 spectators across the Test – a record attendance for the venue. Lyon then dismissed Stokes, sealing a dominant day for Australia.
Australia Close in on Ashes Retention
Australia will resume on day five knowing that just four more wickets will hand them the Ashes and an unassailable series lead. Such a result would underline Australia’s continued dominance at home and further expose England’s struggles on Australian soil.
The intervention from Lyon came after England showed greater restraint than earlier in the series, tempering their aggressive “Bazball” approach in recognition of the match situation. While the adjustment offered brief resistance, Australia’s relentless pressure eventually told.
England’s Second-Innings Effort Shows Grit but Falls Short
England’s chase began disastrously when Ben Duckett was dismissed in the opening over, continuing a torrid series in which his highest score is just 29. Ollie Pope, under mounting pressure, fell for 17, putting his place in serious doubt for the fourth Test.
Crawley, however, produced one of the grittiest innings of his Test career. Batting with patience and discipline rarely associated with his previous efforts, the opener shared key partnerships with Joe Root and Harry Brook. He reached his half-century from 102 balls, his second-slowest in Test cricket, signaling a clear shift in approach.
Root was eventually dismissed for 39, edging behind off a delivery from Pat Cummins, the 13th time the Australia captain has removed him in Tests – more than any other bowler. Brook followed soon after, opening the door for Lyon to take control.
Australia’s Second Innings Sets Up Victory
Earlier in the day, England showed commendable fight with the ball, dismissing Australia for 349 in their second innings. Travis Head starred with a commanding 170, while Alex Carey added a valuable 72.
England’s bowlers shared the workload effectively, with Josh Tongue finishing with 4 for 70 and Brydon Carse claiming 3 for 80. Captain Ben Stokes, whose fitness had been questioned, returned to bowling and played a key role in breaking Australia’s lower order resistance.
Despite the late surge, Australia had already done enough to set England an almost impossible task.
Selection Questions Loom for England
As Australia edge closer to sealing the Ashes, England face uncomfortable questions about the future of several players. Duckett’s loss of form and Pope’s poor Ashes record – averaging just 17.62 across 16 innings – have intensified scrutiny ahead of the fourth Test.
In contrast, Crawley’s resilience may have strengthened his case for inclusion beyond this series, particularly as England look toward a post-Ashes rebuild.
Final Day Outlook
England’s hopes now rest on Jamie Smith and Will Jacks, who survived to stumps, though most observers view their resistance as merely delaying the inevitable. With Lyon in rhythm and Australia’s seamers ready to strike, the final day promises a swift conclusion.
Australia stand on the brink of another emphatic Ashes triumph, while England face the reality of a series defeat that has again highlighted the gulf between the sides in Australian conditions.
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