Australia are tantalizingly close to a series-clinching victory at Adelaide Oval, having set England an imposing target of 435. After a long, grueling fourth day, the visitors managed to reach 207 for 6, anchored by Zak Crawley’s 85, but still face a mountain of 228 runs with four wickets in hand.
Pat Cummins struck early with his lethal new-ball spell, removing Joe Root for the 13th time in Tests along with two other top-order batters, while Lyon picked off Crawley and Stokes during a crucial final session. England’s lower order, including Jamie Smith and Will Jacks, resisted but will need a near-miracle to chase down the record total.
Earlier, Travis Head’s 170 and Alex Carey’s 72 had propelled Australia to 371 and 349 across both innings. England’s bowlers, led by Josh Tongue, made some inroads, but Australia’s batting depth ensured the target remained formidable.
England’s Bazball ethos, attacking, fearless, chase-focused, showed flashes of brilliance, notably a half-century partnership between Crawley and Harry Brook, but the pair were eventually undone by Lyon’s guile. Brook’s adventurous reverse sweep handed his wicket away, signalling just how razor-thin England’s survival chances are.
Despite the scoreboard pressure, England remain alive, technically. Any hopes of chasing down the world-record target hinge on a spectacular tail-end resistance. Meanwhile, Australia’s Ashes juggernaut has maintained its momentum, leaving them a single day from completing a 3-0 series sweep and extending their dominance over the visitors.
Adelaide Oval now sets the stage for a tense, potentially historic final day. England must summon every ounce of courage to stay in the game, while Australia eye victory and the Ashes urn, tantalizingly within reach after another day of high-quality cricket.
Scorecard snapshot:
• Australia 1st Innings: 371
• England 1st Innings: 286
• Australia 2nd Innings: 349
End of Day 4: England 2nd Innings: 207/6 (Crawley 85, Cummins 3-24, Lyon 3-64)
England need 228 runs to win.
