England were six wickets down at stumps on day four of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, still needing 228 runs to chase an imposing 435-run target and keep the series alive.
Zak Crawley top-scored with a fighting 85, but his dismissal, along with quick losses of captain Ben Stokes and Harry Brook, left England struggling at 207-6 at the close. Jamie Smith (2 not out) and Will Jacks (11 not out) were at the crease when play ended.
England had begun the final session at 106-2, with Crawley and Joe Root looking settled. Root, however, fell for 39 when he edged Australia captain Pat Cummins to wicketkeeper Alex Carey — the 13th time Cummins has dismissed him in Tests. Crawley brought up his half-century in controlled fashion, but momentum swung decisively after Brook was bowled by Nathan Lyon for 30 while attempting a reverse sweep.
Stokes managed only five before falling, and Crawley was dismissed soon after, leaving England reeling at 194-6. Cummins and Lyon led Australia’s charge, taking three wickets apiece on the day.
Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 349 in their second innings, setting England a record chase. Travis Head followed up his first-innings century with a commanding 170, while Alex Carey contributed 72. Josh Tongue (4-70) and Brydon Carse (3-80) were the standout bowlers for England.
England had been dismissed for 286 in their first innings, trailing by 85 runs, despite a valiant 83 from Stokes and a maiden Test fifty from Jofra Archer.
Australia, who won the toss and elected to bat, posted 371 in the first innings, with Carey scoring a century and Mitchell Starc adding a brisk half-century down the order.
With only four wickets remaining and more than 200 runs still required, England face the prospect of defeat on the final day — a result that would all but end their Ashes hopes.
Brief scores: Australia 371 and 349; England 286 and 207-6.
