England walk off at stumps on Day 4 knowing the equation is brutally simple and painfully difficult. 228 runs still required, four wickets in hand, and an Australian attack that smells history. Yet, as the shadows lengthened at Adelaide Oval, England at least ensured that the Ashes Test will go deep into the fifth day.
At 207 for 6, this chase remains alive—barely.
Crawley Stands Tall, Then Falls
Zak Crawley produced his finest innings of the match when England needed solidity above all else. His 85 from 151 balls was an exercise in patience rather than bravado, leaving well, driving sparingly, and absorbing pressure from Cummins and Boland during a testing first session.
But just when Crawley looked set to anchor England into Day 5 with confidence, Nathan Lyon struck. A sharp stumping by Alex Carey ended Crawley’s vigil and felt like a psychological blow. England were still alive, but their best shield was gone.
Early Losses Hurt the Cause
The chase never truly settled early on. Ben Duckett fell for 4 in the second over, and Ollie Pope and Joe Root followed without ever fully imposing themselves. Root’s dismissal—caught behind off Cummins—felt particularly costly. In a chase of this magnitude, England needed one of their senior batters to go big.
Instead, the middle order flickered and faded.
Lyon Turns the Screw
If Day 3 belonged to Travis Head, Day 4 was Nathan Lyon’s quiet domination. Figures of 3 for 64 don’t tell the full story. Lyon controlled tempo, extracted bounce, and constantly threatened both edges.
Harry Brook’s resistance ended when Lyon beat him in flight, and Ben Stokes’ brief stay—just 5 runs—was cut short by another Lyon dismissal that sucked the air out of the dressing room. England’s captain had fought so hard in the first innings, but this time, there would be no miracle.
Australia’s Grip Tightens
Pat Cummins led superbly once again, taking 3 for 24, hitting the right lengths, and refusing England anything easy. Scott Boland was relentless, conceding just 23 from 12 overs, while Starc added pace and threat without reward.
Australia know the job isn’t finished—but they are firmly on top.
A Sliver of Hope Remains
Still, England are not done yet. Jamie Smith and Will Jacks survived a tense final passage, showing restraint as Australia hunted the evening breakthrough. England will begin Day 5 needing 228 runs, with Carse, Archer, and Tongue yet to come.
Realistically, this is Australia’s game. But Test cricket has taught us never to rule out chaos on the final day—especially when pride, Ashes history, and a flat morning pitch are involved.
England will need belief, discipline, and perhaps a little madness.
Australia need just four more wickets.
Day 5 awaits.
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