Adelaide Test – England score 207/6 by Day 4 stump:Zak Crawley scores 85 runs; Cummins-Lyon bag 3 wickets each; ENG needs 228 runs to win

The Ashes series is finally set to stretch into a fifth day this summer, but Australia’s grip on the urn looks almost unbreakable after a dramatic late collapse by England on Day 4. Chasing a massive target of 435, England showed early promise before losing three crucial wickets in the final hour, swinging the match heavily in Australia’s favour. At one stage, England were well placed at 177 for 3, raising hopes of a historic chase. However, the sudden fall of wickets turned the mood completely, leaving the visitors staring at an almost certain defeat and an unassailable 3-0 series scoreline for Australia. With England’s hopes hanging by a thread, Australia now looks set to retain the Ashes comfortably. Unless England produce one of the greatest run chases in Test history on Day 5, the urn is all but staying with the hosts. England collapse after a solid start, Lyon bags three wickets England began the chase with composure, led by Zak Crawley, who played one of the most mature innings of his Test career. Crawley scored a fine 85 and shared useful partnerships with Joe Root (39), Harry Brook (30), and Ollie Pope (17). Just as momentum was building, Brook’s dismissal while attempting a reverse sweep off Nathan Lyon triggered the collapse. Lyon later removed Ben Stokes (5) and Crawley, finishing the day with figures of 3 for 64. Pat Cummins once again troubled England’s batters, dismissing Root for the 13th time in Tests and also accounting for Pope, aided by a stunning slips catch from Marnus Labuschagne. Cummins ended the day with impressive figures of 3 for 24. Zak Crawley’s 85-run knock extends the match to Day 5 By stumps, England were left needing 228 runs on the final day, with Will Jacks (11*) and Jamie Smith (2*) at the crease. Only four teams in Test history have chased more than 400, and just two have done so in the last 49 years. If England somehow pulls it off, it would be the highest successful run chase ever, surpassing the record by 17 runs. Realistically, the pressure now rests on England’s lower order to produce something extraordinary to keep the series alive. Head-Carey laid the foundation for Australia Australia’s huge target was built on the brilliance of Travis Head and Alex Carey. Head crossed 150 early on Day 4, playing aggressive strokes, especially through the offside. He was eventually dismissed for 170, just five runs short of his career-best Test score, receiving a standing ovation from the home crowd. Carey also played a vital role, scoring 72 and narrowly missing out on a second century in the match. Together, the South Australian duo contributed 358 runs across both innings. Australia were eventually bowled out for 349 after a brief lower-order collapse, with Josh Tongue the standout bowler for England, claiming 4 for 70.