The Ashes: England on brink of defeat after Nathan Lyon ends Zak Crawley resistance

England are on the brink of Ashes series defeat after Australia’s Nathan Lyon broke his resistance on the fourth day of the third Test in Adelaide.

Lyon off-spinner lifted Harry Brook’s backhand, tipped over Ben Stokes and, more importantly, stunned Zak Crawley to move the ball close to the home side.

Crawley compiled an impressive 85, but when he was seduced by frenzied Lyon, England were 194-6 in pursuit of a notional target of 435.

Australia will bounce back on Sunday, needing four more wickets to take a 3-0 lead after three Tests, retain the Ashes after just 11 days of cricket and win their fourth consecutive home series against England.

Lyon’s intervention – England lost three wickets for 17 runs in six overs – came after the tourists finally showed a willingness to adapt their Bazballing methods.

It was a recognition of the situation and the realization that some players (including Crawley) were fighting for their futures and reputations.

After Stokes returned to bowl seven overs from the start of play, the tourists took the last six Australian wickets for 38 runs, defeating the home team for 349 in their second innings.

Travis Head left the game with 170 points and Alex Carey with 72 points. Josh Tongue finished with 4-70 and Brydon Carse finished with 3-80.

A four-day finish looked likely when Ben Duckett failed to top England’s chase and Ollie Pope was in danger of being dropped in the fourth Test after falling for 17.

Then came Crawley’s display of defiance and ended with Lyon’s brilliance.