Pat Cummins shredded England’s top order while Nathan Lyon capitalized on their frailties on day four of the third Test at Adelaide Oval Saturday, leaving Australia poised for another Ashes series win.
Chasing a record 435, England staggered to 207-6, still 228 short, undone by poor shot selection. Jamie Smith (2) and Will Jacks (11) faced a rescue mission after another batting meltdown.
With an unassailable 2-0 lead after crushing eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane, Australia needs just a draw to retain the urn. England’s hopes of a miracle fade fast.
“Very disappointing. It’s an uphill fight now,” England opener Zak Crawley admitted. “We came to win the Ashes but face a dire spot. They’re world-class… We’ve underperformed, but hats off to them.”
Questions swirl over England’s prep, lineup, and strategy—Adelaide exposed more flaws. Lacking a Travis Head-style hero (170 off 147 balls, nearly half Australia’s 349), they crumbled to Cummins, who mastered a tricky pitch for three early strikes.
Returning from back injury, Cummins hit 150 Test wickets as captain, joining Imran Khan (187) in elite company.
Ben Duckett fell first, nicking a limp shot to Marnus Labuschagne. Ollie Pope (17) prodded tamely, gobbled by Labuschagne’s brilliant one-handed slip grab.
At 31-2, peril loomed. Crawley (85) and Joe Root (54) rebuilt post-tea—Root survived an lbw scare off Head’s spin—until Cummins snared Root (his 13th dismissal) with a wide one he chased. Root smashed his bat in fury.
Harry Brook (30) then butchered a reverse sweep, bowled by Lyon. Captain Ben Stokes (5) followed, cleaned up by Lyon’s ripper.
Crawley anchored well but misread Lyon, stumped sharply by Alex Carey. Now it’s Jacks and Smith—both run-dry in crises.
Australia stays grounded. “We’ll grind on, eyes on the prize,” Carey said, lauding Lyon: “Exceptional spell—relentless toil paying off.”
