Nathan Lyon’s three quick wickets leave England in crisis

Nathan Lyon rolled back the years with a devastating evening spell that all but sealed Australia’s grip on the Ashes, ripping through England’s middle order and leaving the tourists facing another near-impossible task in the third Test at Adelaide.

With England chasing a world-record 435 to keep the five-match series alive, Lyon struck three times in quick succession on Day 4, removing Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley to swing the match firmly Australia’s way. At stumps, England were 207 for 6, still needing 228 runs for a miraculous victory, while Australia were just four wickets away from clinching the series with two Tests to spare.

Just before Lyon’s intervention, England had begun to believe. After early damage by Pat Cummins, Crawley and Brook added a vital 68-run partnership, taking England from 109 for 3 to 177 for 3 and briefly threatening to turn the contest into a genuine chase. Crawley looked composed and patient for his 85, while Brook played with intent to reach 30.

But once Lyon returned for a fresh spell in the evening session, the momentum changed dramatically. On just his second ball, Brook attempted an ambitious reverse sweep, only to miss completely as the ball crashed into his stumps. Soon after, England captain Stokes was beaten by a sharply turning delivery that rattled his off stump, a huge blow to England’s hopes. Crawley, closing in on what would have been a fighting century, was then deceived by Lyon’s drift and stumped by Alex Carey.

In the space of a few overs, England slumped to 194 for 6, and the match slipped away. Lyon finished the burst with three wickets for just eight runs, a reward after a long wicketless spell earlier in the innings. The 38-year-old spinner, who had been dropped for the previous Test, once again underlined his value, moving closer to the top of Australia’s all-time wicket-takers list.

Earlier in the day, Cummins had set the tone by striking regularly with the new ball. He dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope on either side of lunch and then accounted for Joe Root, caught behind for 39. It was the 13th time Cummins has removed Root in Tests, continuing a one-sided duel that has troubled England’s most reliable batter.

Australia’s strong position was built despite a late collapse in their second innings. Resuming on 271 for 4, with Travis Head unbeaten on 142, Australia lost their last six wickets for just 38 runs to be bowled out for 349. Head was dismissed for a superb 170, while Carey added 72, helping set England a daunting target of 434.

Despite England’s brief resistance, Crawley admitted Australia had been the better side. “They haven’t allowed us to be at our best,” he said, acknowledging the uphill battle his team now faces.

With Australia unbeaten at home in Ashes Tests since 2010–11, and history firmly against England, Lyon’s timely strike has Australia firmly on course for another Ashes series win.

Briefscores:

Australia: 371 all out

England: 286 all out

Australia 2nd Innings: 349 all out

England 2nd Innings: 207 for 6

Still required: 228 runs to win