Australia moved to the brink of Ashes victory in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, with just four more wickets required by the hosts.
They reduced England to 207 – 6 in pursuit of their world record target of 435, with 228 more runs required for victory, after earlier being bowled out for 349.
A patient half-century from Zak Crawley (85) had given England the faintest shot at victory, only for three wickets to fall for 17 runs late in the day to put the champagne on ice for Australia.
Crawley shared a 68 run partnership with Harry Brook (30), before the latter was bowled attempting an ill-advised reverse sweep off Nathan Lyon to leave the score on 177 -4.
England skipper Ben Stokes (5) and Crawley then followed Brook back to the pavilion in quick succession, bowled and stumped off the bowling of Lyon respectively.
The tourists showed good fight and application throughout their innings to keep the travelling fans believing, despite Ben Duckett (4) edging his second delivery from Pat Cummins to Marnus Labuschagne at slip.
They were hanging on as Ollie Pope (17) fell to a brilliant, one-handed, diving catch from Labuschagne off Cummins and Joe Root (39) edged the same bowler through to Carey.
Lyon’s late trio of wickets ultimately appears to have finished off their hopes and the Ashes urn appears to be staying with Australia.
England did well earlier in the day to polish off Australia’s second innings for 349, claiming the last six wickets for just 38 runs.
Once the set pair of Travis Head (170) and Alex Carey (72) had been removed by Josh Tongue (4 – 70) and Stokes respectively, they were able to polish off the tail with relative ease.
Brydon Carse (3 – 80) removed Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon in successive balls, whilst Jofra Archer claimed a diving caught and bowled to dismiss Scott Boland, as the last three partnerships added just five runs.
Despite the target Australia set England being a world record, there was very cautious optimism at various points throughout the day from fans and pundits alike.
Lyon’s late burst has ultimately removed this though and the teams will only return on day five to complete the formalities, with Australia expecting to wrap up a comprehensive victory.
Guerilla Match Moments:
Big Moment: The dismissal of Zak Crawley in the final session for 85 saw Australia put themselves on the brink of victory and winning the series.
Star of the Day: Nathan Lyon answered his critics with three late wickets to put the result of the match beyond any reasonable doubt.
Whoops, can I try that again: Harry Brook was bowled attempting to reverse Nathan Lyon on 30, bringing an end to a promising partnership of 68 with Zak Crawley.
