The fate of the Ashes urn hangs by a thread for England after a devastating final session on Day Four at the Adelaide Oval. The visitors ended Saturday at 207 for 6, still requiring a mammoth 228 runs to achieve a record chase and keep the series alive. With only four wickets in hand, Australia are firmly in the driver's seat to retain the Ashes.
Lyon and Cummins Derail English Chase
England's hopes of a miraculous victory were systematically dismantled by the Australian bowling attack in the evening. The partnership between Zak Crawley and Joe Root, which had steadied the innings with a 78-run stand, was broken when Pat Cummins dismissed Root for the 13th time in Test cricket. Nathan Lyon then took centre stage on a wearing pitch, removing Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and Zak Crawley in quick succession. Crawley's fighting knock of 85 runs ended with a stumping, leaving England reeling at the close with Will Jacks (11*) and Jamie Smith (2*) at the crease.
Head's Heroics Set Up Daunting Target
The day began with Australia resuming their second innings on 271 for 4. Travis Head, resuming on 142, and Alex Carey, on 52, extended their partnership aggressively. Head smashed a magnificent 170 runs, while Carey contributed a fluent 72, pushing Australia's lead beyond 430. England did manage to take the last six wickets before lunch, with Josh Tongue finishing with 4 for 70, but the damage had been done. The hosts were bowled out for 349, setting a colossal target of 434 runs for England.
History and Pressure Stack Against England
The scale of England's challenge is underscored by history. No team has ever chased more than 316 at the Adelaide Oval. The highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test history remains the West Indies' 418 against Australia in 2003. England, already 2-0 down after heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane, are under immense pressure. Australia, as the current holders, only need a draw to retain the Ashes, making England's task of winning this Test imperative and now, seemingly improbable. A record crowd of over 200,000 across four days witnessed Australia seize control of the match and potentially the series.
The final day promises high drama, but England will need a miracle of Headingley 2019 proportions to salvage this Test and keep their Ashes dreams alive.
