Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Mitchell Starc, skipper Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon shared nine wickets as Australia stormed to an 82-run victory in the Adelaide Test, retaining the Ashes series after winning their third consecutive Test match in the series. Australia already have an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series after just 11 days of cricket, matching the fastest time frame in which the Ashes have been won in the past century, following easy victories in Perth and Brisbane.
However, it was a tough fight from England’s lower order, particularly from wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith and all-rounder Brydon Carse. Their efforts raised hopes of a miracle, but a disciplined bowling attack kept the hosts in control and they continued to hold the urn. Smith (60), Will Jacks (47), and Brydon Carse (38 not out) offered hope to Ben Stokes’ team after England reached 207-6. Nonetheless, Mitchell Starc (3-62) brought Australia close to victory before Scott Boland dismissed Josh Tongue, ending the tourists’ innings at 352 in pursuit of a record 435 to win.
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who claimed three wickets on day four of the third Test, has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury and is uncertain for the rest of the series. Earlier, Cummins and Lyon spearheaded the bowling attack on Day 4, bringing Australia close to victory by reducing England to 207/6 in their chase of 435. On the final day, the visitors needed 228 runs to win, while the hosts only needed four wickets to secure the series. Starc was the standout bowler, coming from behind to dismiss the tailenders with figures of (3/62) in the second innings. Boland created the match-winning moment by forcing England’s No. 11, Josh Tongue, to edge the ball to first slip, where Marnus Labuschagne made an impressive catch for his fourth grab of the game. Brydon Carse remained not out on 39, but his effort was in vain.
