Ashes Test 3 Day 4: Cummins and Lyon Tighten the Noose on England
Australia moved to the brink of retaining the Ashes with another commanding display on Day 4 of the third Test at Adelaide Oval. Travis Head’s superb 170 powered Australia to a daunting lead of 434 before England’s reply once again faltered under pressure. Despite moments of resistance from Zak Crawley and Joe Root, wickets fell at regular intervals as Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon dictated proceedings. By stumps, England were 207 for 6, still 227 runs short, with Australia just four wickets away from victory.
What Had Happened Till Stumps Day-3
At the end of Day 3, Australia were already in a dominant position after stretching their overall lead beyond 350 runs, with Travis Head and Alex Carey firmly set. England knew early wickets were their only way back, but the scale of the task remained daunting. Australia’s intent was clear from the outset of Day 4 — push the lead past 400 and apply immediate pressure. By the time England began their fourth-innings chase, the target had ballooned to 435, a total that always felt beyond reach despite the surface still offering reasonable batting conditions.
Australia vs England – 3rd Ashes Test • Day 4
The Ashes 2025/26 • Adelaide Oval
Day-4 Summary
Day 4 unfolded entirely on Australia’s terms. Head completed a monumental innings before England briefly rallied with the ball, claiming six wickets in the morning session through Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse. However, the damage had already been done. England’s chase began poorly when Pat Cummins removed Ben Duckett in his first over, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling display. Although Crawley fought hard for his 85 and shared partnerships with Root and Brook, crucial breakthroughs ensured England never truly threatened. By stumps, Australia remained firmly in control.
Session-wise Breakdown – Day 4
Morning Session: Head’s 170 Pushes Lead Beyond 400
The morning session belonged to Travis Head, who continued his commanding innings with authority and fluency. Batting deep into the session, Head brought up his 150 to a standing ovation before eventually falling for a superb 170 off 219 balls, an innings laced with 16 fours and two sixes. Alex Carey provided excellent support, adding another valuable contribution as Australia surged past the 400-run lead mark. England did enjoy a productive spell late in the session, with Josh Tongue finishing with four wickets, but Australia were bowled out for 349 — more than enough to place the game beyond England’s control.
Afternoon Session: Cummins Strikes Early, England Falter
England’s reply began under immense pressure, and it showed almost immediately. With just minutes left before lunch, Pat Cummins struck in his first over, removing Ben Duckett, caught sharply by Marnus Labuschagne at second slip. That early breakthrough set the tone for the innings. Although Crawley and Pope attempted to steady things, Cummins’ probing lines and sharp movement kept England on edge. Pope fell soon after, once again exposed outside off stump, leaving England chasing the game both on the scoreboard and mentally.
Evening Session: Lyon Breaks Resistance as England Slide
The final session saw England briefly threaten resistance through Zak Crawley, who compiled a determined 85, and Joe Root. Crawley combined well with Root and later with Harry Brook, but Australia struck at crucial moments. Cummins once again dismissed Root — the 13th time he has removed him in Tests — before Nathan Lyon took control. Brook’s attempted reverse sweep proved costly, Stokes was bowled by a beauty from Lyon, and Crawley was eventually stumped by Carey. England closed on 207 for 6, their resistance fading just short of meaningful hope.
Top Performers of Day 4
Travis Head: A Match-Defining 170
Travis Head delivered the defining performance of the Test with a majestic 170 at his home ground. Dominating England’s attack with controlled aggression, Head batted for over five hours and ensured Australia’s lead crossed the 400-run mark. His ability to rotate strike, punish width, and counter England’s short-ball tactics underlined his authority. By the time he departed, the contest was effectively settled, making his innings the cornerstone of Australia’s march toward victory.
Nathan Lyon & Pat Cummins: The Closing Act
Australia’s bowlers complemented Head’s heroics with a ruthless display late in the day. Cummins’ early strikes, including yet another dismissal of Root, shifted momentum decisively, while Lyon’s spell after tea broke England’s spine. Lyon finished the day with three wickets, including the key scalps of Brook, Stokes, and Crawley, showcasing his control and tactical awareness. Together, they ensured England never escaped Australia’s grip.
Day Highlights:
What to Expect on Day 5
England enter the final day needing nothing short of a miracle, still requiring 227 runs with only four wickets in hand. Australia will sense an early finish, with aggressive fields and attacking bowling expected from the first over. With Lyon exploiting the rough and Cummins leading from the front, Australia are firmly poised to wrap up another emphatic Ashes victory.
