Australia dominate in Adelaide, England on the brink of defeat

Australia moved to the verge of victory at the close of play on the fourth day of the Adelaide Test. Chasing a record target of 435 runs to keep the series alive, England suffered a major setback after finishing the day on 207 for six. They still require 228 runs to win, with only four wickets remaining.
England’s chase fell apart in the final session as they lost a cluster of key wickets and were effectively pushed out of the contest. Zak Crawley (85), Joe Root (39), Harry Brook (30) and captain Ben Stokes (5) all departed, leaving Australia firmly in control. Nathan Lyon and skipper Pat Cummins led the charge with disciplined bowling that dismantled the English batting lineup. Will Jacks (11) and Jamie Smith (2) were unbeaten at stumps.
Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 349 in their second innings. Travis Head played a magnificent knock of 170, while Alex Carey contributed a valuable 72. England’s reply began poorly when Ben Duckett edged Cummins to slip for just four runs. Out of form throughout the series, Ollie Pope once again failed to capitalise on his opportunity, dismissed for 17.
The highest successful run chase at the Adelaide Oval is 316, while the biggest run chase in Test history is 418, achieved by West Indies against Australia in 2003. In that context, England’s task appears almost impossible. Having lost the first two Tests of the five-match series, England must win to keep the Ashes alive, while a draw is enough for Australia to retain the urn.
With a record crowd attending the Test, Australia remain firmly in the driving seat heading into the final day.