ADELAIDE: Pat Cummins tore through England’s top order before Nathan Lyon exposed their fragile middle, leaving Australia firmly on course to retain the Ashes on day four of the third Test at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Set a world-record target of 435, England slumped to 207 for six at stumps, still 228 runs adrift and staring at another chastening defeat. Cummins’ early burst set the tone, while Lyon’s control and guile ensured there was no way back, as England again contributed to their downfall with ill-judged shots.
Jamie Smith (2) and Will Jacks (11) survived the close, but their task on the final day looks forlorn. With Australia already 2-0 up in the five-Test series after commanding wins in Perth and Brisbane, a draw here would be enough to secure the urn.
England opener Zak Crawley admitted the scale of the challenge ahead. “Obviously very disappointing. Uphill battle from here,” he said, conceding Australia had been “a very, very good side.”
As questions continue to swirl around England’s preparation, selection and batting philosophy, Saturday provided yet more evidence of a team falling well short of expectations against a ruthless Australian outfit.
