England's bid to reclaim the Ashes urn has been emphatically ended in Adelaide, as a valiant but ultimately failed record run chase handed Australia an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
Dreams Snuffed Out in Record Pursuit
The tourists succumbed to an 82-run defeat on the fifth day of the third Test, bowled out for 352 in pursuit of a monumental target of 435. That total was 17 runs higher than the existing world record for a successful fourth-innings chase and 57 more than any England side has ever made. The loss, following earlier defeats in Perth and Brisbane, means the series was decided after just 11 days of cricket, with two dead-rubber Tests remaining in Melbourne and Sydney.
Lyon Injury Fuels Flicker of Hope
England's hopes of a miraculous comeback were unexpectedly boosted during the morning session when Australia's premier spinner, Nathan Lyon, pulled his hamstring in the field. His absence was a major blow for the hosts on a wearing pitch, especially after his triple-wicket burst late on day four had seemingly settled the contest.
Seizing the opportunity, Jamie Smith and Will Jacks built a defiant partnership of 91 runs, making the gargantuan target suddenly appear within reach. The momentum shifted dramatically when Smith, having struck four consecutive boundaries off the new ball, chased a fifth and skied a catch off Pat Cummins to depart for 60.
Familiar Collapse Seals England's Fate
Smith's dismissal left England seven wickets down and still 150 runs adrift, but Jacks dug in alongside Brydon Carse to add another half-century stand. However, the old English habit of faltering under pressure resurfaced. Will Jacks, after a patient 137-ball vigil for 47, played a loose shot at Mitchell Starc and was caught.
The end came swiftly thereafter. Marnus Labuschagne took another sharp slip catch, an area where Australia have dominated all series, before Jofra Archer and last man Josh Tongue fell in quick succession. The defeat draws England level with the unwanted record of Nasser Hussain's 2002-03 side, having surrendered the Ashes in the shortest number of days for a five-match series.
