England Surrenders Ashes Hopes as Australia Dominates Third Test in Adelaide with Ruthless Precision

It’s becoming painfully clear that England’s dream of keeping the Ashes alive is all but over.

Since retreating into a defensive shell on the second day of the third Test, their chances have slipped further from reach.

Tasked with an almost impossible 435 to prevent Australia from clinching a 3–0 lead, England closed the day on 207 for six, leaving little room for optimism.

Nathan Lyon Strikes Late to Dash Miracles

England looked briefly hopeful, holding at 177 for three, but Nathan Lyon had other ideas.

He picked off Harry Brook for 30 with a missed reverse sweep, Ben Stokes for just five with a delivery that turned past his prod, and Zak Crawley, who had battled valiantly to 85, stumped neatly by Alex Carey.

By the end, England were 194 for six with half an hour remaining, clinging to the faintest glimmer of a reprieve.

A Test Series Conceded Before Adelaide Rain

Even with forecasted morning drizzle, Australia will likely wrap up the series in just 11 days’ cricket—a level of dominance England haven’t faced since 1921.

Few, save the Australians themselves, could claim enjoyment from witnessing England’s relentless unraveling.

Cummins Returns and Rips Through Middle Order

While Lyon dismantled the tail, Pat Cummins showed why he’s considered one of the best.

Returning from a back injury that sidelined him for the first two Tests, he bowled like a man on a mission.

Early wickets of Crawley, Root, and Smith in the first innings set the tone, and he immediately struck in the morning of day three, removing Ben Duckett for four with a precise delivery to Labuschagne at second slip.

Duckett and Pope Struggle to Find Form

Duckett’s series tally of 97 runs at 16 reflects a painfully underwhelming campaign for a batsman of his caliber.

Ollie Pope, jittery from the outset, finally succumbed to Cummins’ skill, lunging at a catch-worthy delivery by Labuschagne.

Speculation now grows that Pope could see his final Test innings at the MCG.

Crawley and Brook Offer Brief Resistance

For a short while, Crawley and Brook held the line, using sweeps and reverse sweeps to push Lyon’s figures back and force Cummins to hand over the ball.

But Brook misjudged a reverse sweep and was bowled through the legs.

Stokes and Crawley fell in quick succession, signaling a turning point and giving Australia the scent of victory.

Australia’s Second Innings Ends in a Flurry

Earlier, Australia’s own batting had ended surprisingly quickly.

Marnus Head and Alex Carey had pushed their fifth-wicket stand to 162, but once Stokes and Josh Tongue found rhythm, England briefly looked threatening.

Head departed for 170, and the wickets began tumbling in a familiar pattern, leaving Australia’s lead enormous but England’s morale drained.

Collapse Seals the Series

From Stokes trapping Carey at leg slip to Tongue inducing a faint edge from Inglis, England grabbed a few consolation wickets, but the damage was done.

Cummins’ precision removed Brydon Carse, while Tongue and Carse accounted for six more of Australia’s batters.

Despite some small individual successes, England’s fate was already sealed.

The Inevitable Whitewash Looms

With the Ashes already slipping away, England will now play mainly to avoid the humiliation of a clean sweep.

The series has been a harsh reminder of Australia’s dominance, and even flashes of fight from the home side will do little to change the outcome.

For England, it’s about pride, not survival.