Ashes on the Brink: Lyon and Cummins Put Australia One Step from Glory

Australia tightened its grip on the Ashes 2025 on day four of the 3rd Test in Adelaide as Nathan Lyon tore through England’s middle order, leaving England wobbling at 207 for 6 while chasing a record-breaking target of 435. With only four wickets left and 228 runs still required, England stand on the brink of another crushing defeat as Australia edges closer to sealing the series.

Australia Set the Trap Early

The day began with Australia resuming their second innings in a position of total command. Travis Head and Alex Carey had already pushed England deep into survival mode.

The final six Australian wickets fell for only 38 runs, and Australia closed their innings on 349. Tongue finished with figures of 4 for 70, while Carse claimed 3 for 80, giving England at least a theoretical chance.

That hope carried a heavy burden, and the target of 435 represented the highest successful chase ever attempted in Test cricket at Adelaide. History offered England no comfort, and conditions demanded absolute clarity of method.

Cummins Strikes Early, England Stumble

Pat Cummins sensed vulnerability and attacked immediately with sharp bounce and movement. Ben Duckett fell early, undone by lift and seam. Ollie Pope followed soon after, beaten for pace and pinned down by relentless pressure.

At 31 for 2, England faced familiar danger, where the scoreboard moved slowly, and the Australian fielders closed in with intent. Cummins bowled with authority, controlling both tempo and direction, and continued a remarkable personal dominance over England’s most reliable batters.

Crawley and Root Offer Resistance

Zak Crawley played with restraint early and punished anything that strayed too straight. Joe Root joined him with calm and rotated strike well while refusing risky strokes.

Together, they built a partnership that briefly shifted momentum. Crawley trusted his defense and timing, while Root found gaps with late hands and minimal fuss. Their 78-run stand for the third wicket carried England through the afternoon and restored belief inside the dressing room.

Root’s stay ended when Cummins struck again, as his extra bounce forced a misjudgment, and Root edged behind for 39. It marked the 13th time Cummins has dismissed him in Test cricket, underlining a rivalry that continues to tilt Australia’s way.

Lyon Turns the Game on Its Head

In the final session, Nathan Lyon, the veteran off-spinner, delivered a spell that may define the series. He bowled with patience, changed pace subtly, and forced England’s batters to second-guess every movement.

Zak Crawley defended confidently against Lyon and appeared ready to anchor England deep into the night. Then came the turning point, where Lyon drifted one past Crawley’s outside edge, Carey whipped off the bails, and Australia erupted, and this dismissal shifted the energy instantly.

Harry Brook failed to read the dip and dragged one onto his pad. Ben Stokes followed soon after, beaten in flight and trapped as Australia sensed blood. Three wickets fell in a blur, and England’s resistance collapsed under the weight of expectation.

Australia One Session from the Prize

At stumps, England closed on 207 for 6, where Lyon finished the day with a decisive burst, Cummins led with authority, and Australia controlled every phase once pressure peaked. England must now survive Lyon’s opening spell on the final morning and somehow build a partnership that defies logic, history, and form. Australia needs only four more wickets to secure the Test and move decisively toward retaining the Ashes.

The Adelaide crowd senses the finish approaching, and England face another long morning that may well confirm the direction of this series.