Can England Overcome the Challenge of Chasing 435 in the Ashes?
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Synopsis
As the Ashes series heats up, Australia is on the brink of a decisive victory, leading England to a challenging 207/6 at the end of Day 4. With just four wickets left and a daunting target of 435 runs, can England pull off a miraculous win? Join us as we delve into this thrilling cricket showdown!
Key Takeaways
- Australia leads the Ashes series and is close to a 3-0 victory.
- England faces a challenging target of 435 runs.
- Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon have been pivotal in the bowling department.
- Travis Head scored a remarkable 170 runs.
- England's batting lineup is under pressure with only 207 runs on the board.
Adelaide, Dec 20 (NationPress) Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon spearheaded the bowling attack on Day 4, bringing Australia closer to an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the Ashes series by restricting England to 207/6 as they chased a daunting target of 435 runs at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
On the final day, the visitors need 228 runs to secure victory, while the hosts are just four wickets away from sealing the series with an unassailable lead.
Australia managed to add 78 runs to their overnight total of 271/4 on Day 4 of the third Ashes Test, as the English bowlers contained them to 349 in their second innings, thus setting a challenging target of 435.
With a commanding 434-run lead, Australia was firmly in control. The morning session saw Travis Head and Alex Carey significantly contribute to the score, quickly pushing the lead past 400 runs.
Head’s remarkable innings concluded at 170, dismissed by Josh Tongue, while Carey fell to a catch at leg slip off Ben Stokes. Tongue emerged as England's standout bowler, claiming four wickets and providing some resistance.
Cummins swiftly gave his side a breakthrough in the final innings as Ben Duckett returned to the pavilion at the stroke of Lunch, caught by Marnus Labuschagne in just the second over, leaving England at 5/1 at Lunch.
Chasing 435 runs in the fourth innings is always a formidable task, and with the Australian bowlers in top form, it proved to be a daunting challenge for England.
The Australian captain Cummins continued to lead from the front by taking the wicket of Ollie Pope. Zak Crawley and Joe Root worked to stabilize the innings with a 78-run partnership for the third wicket, but Cummins struck again to dismiss Root, marking the 13th time he has gotten the England batter out in Tests.
Brook and Crawley also contributed with a 68-run stand, reaching 106/2 at Tea, but a subsequent collapse shattered their hopes. Nathan Lyon spun a web, dismissing Brook and then the captain Stokes as England's batting lineup crumbled.
Lyon returned for his third over to take his third wicket, trapping Jack Crawley, leaving Jamie Smith and Will Jacks unbeaten as England finished Day 4 at 207/6.
Point of View
The current Ashes Test embodies the fierce competition between Australia and England. With Australia on track for an unassailable lead, the resilience of the English team is being tested. As we follow this pivotal moment in cricket history, it’s crucial to appreciate the skill and sportsmanship displayed by both teams.
NationPress
21/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current score of the Ashes Test?
As of Day 4, England's score is 207/6 in pursuit of a target of 435 runs.
Who is leading the Australian bowling attack?
Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are leading the Australian bowling effort.
What does England need to win?
England requires 228 runs to win the match.
How many wickets does Australia need to win the series?
Australia needs just four wickets to clinch the series with a 3-0 lead.
What was Travis Head's contribution?
Travis Head scored an impressive 170 runs in the match.
