Australia’s Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon dominated England on day four of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. Chasing a record 435 runs, England were reduced to 207 for six at stumps, still 228 runs short of victory. With Australia already 2-0 up in the five-Test series, they need only a draw to retain the Ashes.
England’s batsmen struggled to handle the Australian attack, squandering key opportunities to take control. Zak Crawley top-scored with 85, while Joe Root managed 39, but both eventually fell under relentless pressure. England’s collapse left only Jamie Smith on two and Will Jacks on 11 to try salvaging the innings.
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Cummins took three crucial top-order wickets and became the second Test captain ever to reach 150 wickets, joining Imran Khan. Marnus Labuschagne’s sharp catches and Travis Head’s 170-run knock further reinforced Australia’s dominance. England’s misjudged shots and weak batting decisions accelerated their downfall.
Nathan Lyon spun through England’s lower order, dismissing Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and Crawley with precision. Alex Carey’s sharp wicketkeeping complemented the attack, ensuring England’s fightback remained improbable. Each dismissal deepened Australia’s control of the match and the series.
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Australia will wait to celebrate until the job is done, but victory seems certain. Carey praised Lyon for relentless effort and consistency. With England faltering again, Australia is now firmly on the path to retaining the Ashes.