The Ashes: England are on the brink of defeat after Nathan Lyon ended Zak Crawley’s resistance

England are on the verge of defeat in the Ashes series after Australia’s Nathan Lyon broke their resistance late on day four of the third Test in Adelaide.

Lyon removed reverse ball Harry Brook, bowled Ben Stokes and, most importantly, stumped Zak Crawley to move the home team within touching distance of the pitcher.

Crawley amassed an impressive 85 runs, but when he was tempted by a delirious Lyon, England were left 194-6 in pursuit of the theoretical target of 435.

Australia will return on Sunday needing four more wickets to go 3-0 up after three Tests, retain the Ashes after just 11 days of cricket and win a fourth successive series at home against England.

Lyon’s intervention – England lost three wickets for 17 runs in six overs – came after the tourists had finally shown they were willing to adapt their bullpen ways.

It was an acknowledgment of the situation and the realization that some players – including Crawley – were fighting for their future and reputation.

After Stokes returned to bowling seven overs from the start of play, the tourists took Australia’s last six wickets for 38 runs to dismiss the hosts for 349 in the second over.

Travis Head was eventually out for 170 and Alex Carey 72. Josh Tong finished with 4-70 and Braydon Carse 3-80.

A four-day finish looked likely when Ben Duckett was out in England’s first run chase and Ollie Pope was in serious danger of being bowled out in the fourth Test after falling in the 17th over.

Then came Crowley’s challenge and ended with Lyon’s genius.