England's hopes of retaining the Ashes are hanging by the thinnest of threads after a punishing fourth day in Adelaide left them requiring a record-breaking run chase to keep the series alive.
Mountain to Climb for England on Final Day
At the close of play on Saturday, 20th December 2025, England's score stood at 209 for the loss of six wickets. They require a further 226 runs to win with only four wickets in hand. The not-out batsmen, Jamie Smith and Will Jacks, will resume on the final morning with the weight of the series on their shoulders.
The tourists were set a colossal victory target of 435 runs after Australia were eventually bowled out for 349 in their second innings. To win, England must pull off the highest successful run chase ever seen at the Adelaide Oval, a feat that would keep the series score at 2-1 with two Tests to play.
Australian Batting Power Leaves England Reeling
Australia's commanding position was built on a magnificent second-innings century from Travis Head, who blazed his way to a dominant 170 runs. He was ably supported by wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who continued his fine form with a vital 72, adding to his first-innings century.
For England, seamer Brydon Carse was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets as the hosts sought to accelerate their lead. However, the damage had already been done, setting up a daunting final innings for the visitors.
England's Chase Starts Brightly Before Wickets Fall
England's reply began with promise, largely thanks to a fluent 85 from opener Zak Crawley, who struck eight boundaries. There were starts for Joe Root (39) and Harry Brook (30), but no batter could convert their score into the match-defining innings required.
The Australian attack, led by captain Pat Cummins, chipped away relentlessly. Cummins removed three of England's top order, including Ben Duckett for just 4 and Ollie Pope for 17. The crucial wicket of Crawley was taken by spinner Nathan Lyon, who also clean-bowled Brook and finished the day with three wickets.
With star all-rounder Ben Stokes dismissed for only 5, the task now falls to the lower order. The equation is simple but staggering: England must win in Adelaide to prevent Australia from taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, after defeats in Perth and Brisbane.
