Australia moved to the edge of retaining the Ashes after veteran spinner Nathan Lyon delivered a decisive late burst on day four of the Third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, leaving England four wickets away from defeat.
In a dramatic final session, Lyon ripped through England’s resistance by dismissing Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and most crucially Zak Crawley, swinging the momentum firmly back towards the hosts. England closed the day on 207 for six, still needing an improbable 228 runs to chase down a notional target of 435.
Australia will return on the final day requiring just four wickets to secure a 3–0 series lead, retain the Ashes after only 11 days of cricket, and claim a fourth consecutive home Ashes series win.
Lyon’s Late Spell Breaks England’s Resolve
England’s hopes of extending the contest rested heavily on Zak Crawley, who produced a defiant and disciplined 85, one of the most resilient innings of his Test career. However, his decision to advance down the pitch against Lyon proved fatal, resulting in a stumping that sent the Adelaide crowd into raptures.
Lyon’s impact was immediate and devastating. England lost three wickets for just 17 runs in six overs, a collapse that followed a rare period of tactical restraint from the tourists after earlier excesses of their aggressive “Bazball” philosophy.
Harry Brook, who had earlier used the reverse sweep successfully, misjudged one attempt and was bowled, while captain Ben Stokes was undone by Lyon’s accuracy and drift. The experienced off-spinner once again demonstrated why he remains one of Australia’s most reliable match-winners in Test cricket.
Australia Close In on Series Victory
Earlier in the day, England had shown admirable fight with the ball. Resuming on 271-4, Australia were dismissed for 349, adding only 78 runs. Travis Head eventually fell for a commanding 170, while Alex Carey contributed 72.
England’s bowlers were led by Josh Tongue, who finished with figures of 4-70, and Brydon Carse, who claimed 3-80. Ben Stokes returned to the attack after fitness concerns and bowled with discipline, helping England take the final six wickets for just 38 runs.
Despite this effort, England’s fragile batting again left them facing defeat. Early losses of Ben Duckett, whose poor series form continued, and Ollie Pope, who made just 17, put the tourists under immediate pressure.
Crawley’s Grit Offers Brief Hope
At 31-2, England looked set for another collapse, but Crawley steadied the innings with partnerships of 78 with Joe Root and 68 with Brook. He left the ball well, defended resolutely, and reached his half-century from 102 balls — his second-slowest in Test cricket — underlining the discipline of his approach.
Root was eventually removed by Pat Cummins, caught behind for 39, marking the 13th time the Australian captain has dismissed him in Tests. Brook followed soon after, opening the door for Lyon’s match-defining spell.
With over 200,000 spectators attending across the Test — a record for Adelaide Oval — Lyon fed off the atmosphere, orchestrating another late-day twist in Australia’s favour.
England’s Uphill Task on Final Day
Jamie Smith and Will Jacks survived until stumps, but England’s prospects remain bleak. History, conditions and the quality of Australia’s bowling attack all point towards an inevitable conclusion.
While England showed greater tactical awareness and adaptability than earlier in the series, the damage may already be done. Several players remain under scrutiny, and with Australia on the verge of sealing the Ashes, England face not only defeat but major questions ahead of the remaining Tests.
Leave a Reply