England Fall Short of Record Chase as Australia Clinch Ashes in Adelaide

England’s hopes of keeping the Ashes alive were extinguished in Adelaide as Australia sealed an 82-run victory to take an unassailable 3-0 series lead, despite a late twist that briefly opened the door to an extraordinary comeback.

Having already triumphed in Perth and Brisbane, Australia completed the job in the third Test after 11 days of cricket, though not without unexpected tension on the final day. England were ultimately dismissed for 352 while chasing a daunting target of 435 — a figure 17 runs beyond the world record and well clear of anything previously achieved by an England side.

The result condemns the tourists to two dead rubbers in Melbourne and Sydney and confirms the loss of the urn in the shortest possible time for a five-Test series, matching the unwanted record set during Nasser Hussain’s 2002–03 tour.

Flicker of Hope After Lyon Injury

England began the final day with little expectation, resuming on 207 for six and requiring 228 runs to complete what would have been a historic chase. Yet an unexpected injury to Nathan Lyon transformed the mood.

The off-spinner, who had struck decisive blows the previous evening by removing Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley, pulled his hamstring while fielding during the morning session. His departure deprived Australia of their most potent weapon on a deteriorating surface and gave England a fleeting sense of opportunity.

Jamie Smith and Will Jacks seized the moment, adding 91 runs to suddenly make the impossible seem faintly plausible.

Turning Point as Smith Falls

Smith played with increasing authority, striking four boundaries off the new ball and driving Australia onto the defensive. However, his dismissal proved pivotal. Attempting a fifth consecutive boundary, he miscued Pat Cummins to the leg side and departed for a well-compiled 60, easing Australian nerves just as anxiety had begun to build.

At that point, England still required 150 runs with three wickets remaining, yet Jacks refused to yield. Partnering Brydon Carse, he extended the resistance with another half-century stand as Australia struggled to compensate for Lyon’s absence.

But England’s recurring tendency to falter under pressure resurfaced. Jacks, having occupied the crease for 137 deliveries, threw his wicket away on 47 with a loose stroke at Mitchell Starc, brilliantly caught by Marnus Labuschagne — one of several outstanding efforts in a slip cordon that consistently outclassed their English counterparts.

Australia Regain Control

From there, England’s fate was effectively sealed. Jofra Archer picked out deep point, Josh Tongue edged behind soon after, and Australia’s seamers closed out the match as Carse remained unbeaten on 39.

Earlier, Australia had struggled to land decisive blows. Lyon was wicketless in his opening burst, Cameron Green’s gentle seam posed little threat, and England capitalised late with the old ball, taking 17 runs from the final two overs before the new one became available.

Smith had earlier thrilled the travelling support by launching Lyon over long mid-wicket and later driving Cummins and Starc with authority, dragging the required total below 200 — still unrealistic, but enough to stir the ever-hopeful Barmy Army.

Rain briefly halted proceedings, drawing cheers from the stands, but any momentum England generated was ultimately fleeting.

Ashes Gone, Pride at Stake

England can take some encouragement from Jacks’ resolve, which suggested a player of genuine resilience, but his lapse at a crucial moment underlined the fine margins that have defined this series.

Despite finally uncovering some defiance, England now face the daunting task of avoiding a 5-0 whitewash over the remaining Tests. For Australia, meanwhile, the Ashes are retained with two matches to spare — a triumph achieved decisively, if not without a late reminder of the sport’s capacity for drama.