England showed rare grit on Saturday as Zak Crawley and Joe Root combined to keep their slim Ashes hopes flickering, batting through a tense afternoon session while chasing a daunting 435 against Australia in the third Test.
By tea on the fourth day, England had reached 106 for 2, with Crawley unbeaten on 36 and Root on 37. The pair weathered sustained pressure and added a vital partnership after Ollie Pope became the only wicket to fall in the second session.
England must win the match to stay alive in the five-Test series, having suffered heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane. Australia, already in control as the holders of the urn, need only a draw to retain the Ashes.
The task facing England borders on the extraordinary. No team has successfully chased more than 316 runs at the Adelaide Oval, and only once in Test history has a target higher than England’s been achieved — the West Indies’ famous 418-run chase in 2003.
Earlier, England wrapped up Australia’s second innings for 349 shortly before lunch, claiming six wickets in the session. Travis Head dominated proceedings with a commanding 170, while Alex Carey added a fluent 72 to push Australia’s lead out of reach.
England’s reply began nervously. Ben Duckett departed early, edging Pat Cummins to second slip, setting the tone for a testing spell. Pope, under mounting pressure after a lean series, failed again, falling for 17 to a stunning one-handed catch by Marnus Labuschagne.
Crawley, however, remained disciplined, leaving well and playing late as he faced 80 deliveries with minimal risk. Root matched his patience, knowing a substantial innings is essential if England are to mount an improbable escape.
Australia resumed the day on 271 for 4, with Head and Carey quickly extending the advantage against an England attack missing sharpness. Head brought up his 150 to a standing ovation before perishing while attacking, while Carey’s bid for back-to-back centuries ended at leg slip.
England’s bowlers rallied late, with Josh Tongue finishing as the standout performer, but Australia had already set a near-insurmountable target.
As the final day approaches, England’s hopes rest squarely on Crawley and Root producing something truly historic.
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