AUS Vs ENG, 3rd Ashes Test Day 4: Nathan Lyon Puts Australia On Course For Series Victory

England's flailing Ashes bid was as good as over on Saturday (December 20, 2025) when Nathan Lyon dislodged vice-captain Harry Brook, captain Ben Stokes and leading scorer Zak Crawley. At stumps on Day 4, England were at 207 for 6 and needing 228 runs for an improbable victory in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval. Australia needed four wickets to clinch the five-match series with two Tests to spare. Earlier, Australia resumed at 271-4 in their second innings, a lead of 356, with Travis Head unbeaten on 142 and Alex Carey on 52. Head’s dismissal for 170 triggered a lower-order collapse, with the last six wickets falling for 38 in 11 overs. The Australians were all out for 349, a lead of 434.

Updated on: 20 December 2025 5:37 pm

England's Jamie Smith, left, and Will Jacks walk from the field after play ended on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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England's Will Jacks bats during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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Australia's Nathan Lyon gestures to the crowd after taking the wicket of England's Zak Crawley during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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Australian players celebrate after England's Ben Stokes, right, was dismissed during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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Australia vs England, 3nd Test at Adelaide

England's Harry Brook plays a sweep shot during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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England vs Australia, 3nd Test at Adelaide

England's Zak Crawley bats during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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England's Joe Root bats during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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Australia's Pat Cummins bats during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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Ashes 2025-26: ENG vs AUS 3nd Test Day 4

Australia's Josh Inglis bats during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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Ashes 2025-26: AUS vs ENG 3nd Test Day 4

Australia's Alex Carey bats during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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Ashes 2025-26: Australia vs England 3nd Test Day 4

Australia's Alex Carey congratulates teammate Travis Head, left, on reaching a 150 runs during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo: AP/James Elsby

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