WATCH: Nathan Lyon rattles Ben Stokes’ stump with a beauty on Day 4 of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide

The third Ash test between Australia And England started Adelaide Oval from December 17 to 21, 2025, with hosts Australia forcing a fearsome 435-run chase after posting 371 and 349 in their innings. England responded with 286 in their first attempt, trailing by 85, before slumping to 194/6 on day 4, needing 241 more on a worn pitch. Travis Head‘s masterful 170 in the second innings propelled Australia and left England in charge Ben Stokes‘side on the brink of this crucial series clash

Nathan Lyon’s peach shatters Ben Stokes on Day 4

Nathan Lyon On Day 4 he produced a match-defining moment, dismissing Stokes with a ripper on 51.6 overs, leaving England reeling at 189 for 5. Around the wicket, Lyon drove the off-break to middle stump before it viciously straightened and spun past Stokes’ probing bat to clip the top off. Stokes departed for a gritty 5 off 18 balls (1×4, SR 27.77), his frustration evident as Australia sensed victory. The veteran spinner’s figures read 13-1-57-2, his third stroke underlining Adelaide’s spin-friendly conditions. Lyon was previously removed Zak Crawley (85, astonished) and Harry Brook (30, bowled), using the turn to dismantle the English middle order. This “special delivery” reflected Lyon’s mastery in Adelaide, where he has historically tormented England

Here’s the video:

Nathan Layon’s ball to Ben Stokes. Absolute peach 🍑 #As2025 pic.twitter.com/QhUe1fkkXN

— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) December 20, 2025

WATCH also: Marnus Labuschagne grabs a screamer to remove Ollie Pope on Day 4 of the third Ashes 2025-26 Test in Adelaide

Australia is closing in on Ashes series victory against England

Australia were on the brink of a decisive victory in the 2025-2026 Ashes when England fell deeper into trouble under the lights, reaching 194/6 after 53.5 overs in their chase. England still needed 241 runs and only had a minimum of 14.1 overs left. England suffocated under the relentless pressure, which was reflected in a modest scoring rate of 3.60. Pat Cummins led from the front with a superb spell of 3 for 24 from 10 overs, ripping through the top order by removing Ben Ducket for 4, Ollie Pope for 17 and the prized wicket of Joe Root for 39. The final phase before stumps summed up England’s plight as they scored just 43 runs while losing three wickets in the last 10 overs.

The match largely followed the Australian script from the start. On Day 1, the hosts piled up 326 for 8, built around a flowing century Alex Carey (106) and a composed 82 from Usman Khawaja. England responded on day 2 with 213 for 8 at stumps, with Ben Stokes‘ grainy 83 and Jofra Sagittarius‘s 51 offers resistance. Australia then tightened their grip on Day 3, moving to 271 for 4 after a dominant Head innings. Head later turned it into an impressive 170, hitting 16 fours and two sixes, while Carey added 72 as Australia were bowled out for 349. Although Archer’s five-wicket haul in the first innings briefly lifted England’s hopes, Cummins’ astute captaincy and bowling have left Australia just four wickets away from sealing the urn.

Also READ: Fans react as Australia takes lead against England on day 3 of Adelaide Test after blistering blows from Travis Head and Alex Carey