Lyon Leaves Australia on the Brink as Ashes Slip Through England Fingers in Adelaide
Nathan Lyon has made a career out of breaking English hearts, and on a raucous fourth evening at the Adelaide Oval he may just have delivered the decisive blow of this Ashes series. With a masterclass in late-day spin bowling, Lyon ripped the resistance from England’s chase and left Australia four wickets away from retaining the Ashes after just 11 days of cricket.
England will resume on the final morning at 207 for six, still staring at a notional target of 435. On paper, the task looks close to impossible. In reality, it already feels inevitable. Australia, leading 2-0, now stand on the brink of a 3-0 series lead and a fourth consecutive home Ashes triumph, with Lyon once again the central figure.
Nathan Lyon Puts Australia on the Brink of Ashes Victory
For much of the day, England fought with a discipline and restraint that has often been absent in this series. There were signs, finally, of an adjustment to the situation – a recognition that “Bazball” could not be applied blindly on a wearing pitch against a relentless Australian attack.
But just as England began to dream of dragging the contest deep into day five, Lyon arrived to remind them why this Ashes has felt so one-sided.
The off-spinner struck three times in a devastating spell late in the day, removing Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley in the space of six overs. England lost three wickets for just 17 runs, and whatever hope they had built was swiftly dismantled.
Brook was first to go, bowled attempting a reverse sweep that had earlier brought him success. Stokes followed, undone by Lyon’s accuracy. But it was the dismissal of Crawley that truly felt like the hammer blow – the opener lured down the track and stumped as the Adelaide crowd erupted.
Zak Crawley’s Gritty Stand Ends in Frustration
Crawley’s innings deserved better. In a series where England’s top order has often folded meekly, this was a display of defiance and maturity. His 85 was not flashy, nor was it quick, but it was deeply important in context.
When England slumped to 31 for two early in the chase, with Ben Duckett once again falling cheaply and Ollie Pope following soon after, another collapse seemed inevitable. Duckett’s form, in particular, has become alarming – his highest score in the series remains 29 – while Pope’s struggles against Australia continue to haunt him.
Crawley, however, dug in. He scored just one run from his first 28 balls, leaving well and defending solidly. His half-century came from 102 deliveries, the second slowest of his Test career, underlining how determined he was to play the situation rather than the moment.
He added 78 with Joe Root and a further 68 with Brook, briefly giving England a platform. For a player so often scrutinised, it was arguably the grittiest knock of his 62-Test career and a reminder that he may yet have a role in England’s future.
But Lyon, the ultimate Ashes tormentor, had other ideas.
Australia Four Wickets Away from Retaining the Ashes
By the time Crawley departed, England were 194 for six and the atmosphere inside the Adelaide Oval had shifted decisively. With total attendance for the Test surpassing 200,000 – a record for the venue – Lyon played the role of showman, soaking in the noise and feeding off the crowd’s energy.
Jamie Smith and Will Jacks survived until stumps, but it felt more like a stay of execution than the start of a miracle. Australia know they need just four wickets on Sunday to seal the Ashes, and history suggests they will not miss this opportunity.
If they do finish the job, it will mark Australia’s retention of the urn after only three Tests, underlining the gulf between the sides in home conditions.
England’s Late Epiphany Comes Too Late
England were 194 for six and the atmosphere inside the Adelaide Oval had shifted decisively
The most frustrating aspect for England supporters may be the realisation that their side was capable of batting like this all along. On day four, there was patience. There was judgment. There was an acceptance that survival mattered more than spectacle.
That raises an uncomfortable question: was this a genuine evolution in approach, or simply an admission that previous over-aggression had been misplaced?
Even with the more orthodox method, England eventually buckled. Duckett’s continued failures and Pope’s wretched Ashes record – an average of just 17.62 across 16 innings – remain glaring issues. Pope’s dismissal, courtesy of a stunning one-handed catch by Marnus Labuschagne at second slip, may have been unlucky, but it was yet another chapter in a grim narrative.
Joe Root, too, could not escape. Pat Cummins removed him for the 13th time in Test cricket, caught behind after tea. No other bowler has dismissed Root as often, and the Yorkshireman’s scream of frustration as he walked off said everything.
Lyon the Difference on a Turning Adelaide Pitch
There was logic behind England’s use of the reverse sweep against Lyon. Crawley, Root and Brook had all found success with it earlier in the innings. But when Brook was bowled attempting the shot, it opened the door.
From there, Lyon sensed blood. His variations in flight and pace exploited the turning surface perfectly, and Crawley’s dismissal – advancing down the pitch only to be beaten and stumped – showcased Lyon’s tactical nous as much as his skill.
It was a reminder that while England may talk about bravery and intent, Australia rely on pressure, patience and execution. In Ashes cricket, those qualities still tend to win.
England’s Fight Begins with the Ball
Earlier in the day, England deserve credit for the way they wrapped up Australia’s second innings. Resuming on 271 for four, the hosts might easily have batted England out of the game. Instead, the tourists claimed the final six wickets for just 38 runs.
Ben Stokes, whose fitness had been questioned after he did not bowl on day three, returned to the attack immediately and delivered seven overs in the morning. While not spectacular, he was disciplined and set the tone.
Josh Tongue was outstanding, finishing with four for 70, while Brydon Carse chipped in with three for 80. Travis Head eventually fell for a commanding 170 and Alex Carey for 72, but England’s late surge at least gave them a chance.
That chance, however slim, was always likely to depend on something extraordinary.
Ashes Reality Dawns in Adelaide
As things stand, Australia are firmly in control. Lyon has once again proven decisive, and England are left confronting harsh truths about form, selection and approach.
Sunday may yet produce resistance, but the odds are stacked heavily in Australia’s favour. Four wickets stand between them and the Ashes, and history suggests they rarely let such moments slip.
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