England Faces Overwhelming Odds in Ashes Third Test at Adelaide
England’s pursuit of the Ashes title is rapidly diminishing as they find themselves precariously placed at 207-6 while chasing an imposing target of 435 runs-a chase that would set a new benchmark for the highest prosperous run chase in Test cricket history. With only 11 days left across the series, Australia has firmly seized control following England’s dramatic collapse late on day four.
Australia Seizes Momentum with Late session Breakthroughs
Although England maintained a promising stance for much of day four, their innings disintegrated swiftly during the final hour. Nathan Lyon emerged as the pivotal figure, claiming three vital wickets for just 64 runs. He dismissed Harry Brook (30) and captain Ben Stokes (5), before trapping Zak Crawley-who had been resilient with an notable 85-via stumping. These dismissals came within six overs and added only 17 runs to England’s total.
The Relentless Australian Bowling Attack Applies Constant Pressure
The Australian bowlers consistently pressured England throughout their innings. Pat cummins spearheaded early breakthroughs by removing key top-order batsmen, including Ben Duckett (4), who edged behind slip shortly after play resumed. Marnus Labuschagne contributed spectacularly in the field with a remarkable diving catch to dismiss Ollie Pope for just 17-likely ending Pope’s current tenure in the side.
Cummins also accounted for Joe Root (39) soon after tea, breaking a promising partnership between Root and Crawley that had offered some hope through their stand worth 78 runs.Later on, Nathan Lyon took center stage to dismantle england’s middle order decisively.
Australia Builds Commanding lead Despite Resistance from English Batsmen
The hosts entered day four holding an imposing position of 271-4 in their second innings,boasting a lead exceeding 350 runs over England. Travis Head continued his excellent form by compiling an unbeaten score of 170 before falling to Josh Tongue’s precise bowling later in the innings.
Despite fitness concerns, Ben Stokes returned to bowl seven overs early on and quickly removed Alex Carey (72), caught behind off leg slip-a crucial wicket that momentarily stalled Australia’s momentum.
A Daunting Target: Chasing One of Cricket’s Highest fourth-Innings Totals Ever
The colossal target set by Australia-435 runs-is among the most challenging fourth-innings chases ever attempted in Test cricket history. Early setbacks persisted when Duckett fell cheaply again this series, edging another catch behind slip where Labuschagne once more demonstrated world-class fielding prowess with several stunning catches throughout this match.
zak Crawley steadied proceedings admirably alongside Joe Root until Root was caught nipping outside off stump off Cummins’ bowling shortly after tea-a turning point that swung momentum decisively back towards Australia.
Crawley’s Resolute Resistance Succumbs Under Intense Pressure
Crawley’s composed approach earned him his twenty-first Test fifty while partnering Harry Brook who adopted an aggressive style but ultimately paid dearly for risky shots typical throughout this series; he was trapped leg before wicket attempting an ill-advised reverse sweep against Lyon’s straight delivery which unexpectedly knocked back his stumps.
Lyon Delivers Decisive Strikes To Quell English Hopes
Nathan lyon then quickly removed both captain ben Stokes and Zak crawley within rapid succession – first deceiving Stokes with sharp turn pitching around middle-and-leg stump line before beating edge; next luring Crawley out-of-position leading to stumping thanks to Alex Carey’s alert work behind wickets.< / p >
< p >Jamie Smith (not out two) along with Will Jacks (eleven not out) survived through final half-hour but face daunting odds needing over two hundred more runs tomorrow if they are to keep any faint hopes alive against what currently appears certain defeat.< / p >
< h2 >Ashes series Status: Australia’s Dominance So Far Across December-January Schedule
- < strong >Australia leads five-match series two-nil:< / strong >
- < strong >First Test – Perth: Convincing eight-wicket victory secured following dramatic English batting collapse under pressure.< / li >
- < strong >Second Test – brisbane: Another commanding eight-wicket win consolidates Australia’s dominant position heading into remaining matches.< / li >
- < strong >Third Test – Adelaide: Ongoing December seventeenth through twenty-first sees hosts pressing advantage strongly.< / li >
- < strong >Fourth Test – Melbourne: Scheduled December twenty-sixth through thirtieth promises thrilling contest ahead.< / li >
- < strong >Fifth & Final Test – Sydney: set january fourth through eighth will determine ultimate fate of coveted urn trophy.< / li >
