The Ashes: Recap the action from Day five of the Third Test from Adelaide Oval

Chris Robinson
The Nightly
Marnus Labuschagne and the Aussies celebrate the wicket that sealed the series.
Marnus Labuschagne and the Aussies celebrate the wicket that sealed the series. Credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Cricket: Nathan Lyon produced a magical spell to leave Australia needing just four wickets to retain The Ashes on day five in Adelaide.

His three wickets in four overs ripped the heart out of the English middle-order will Will Jacks and Jamie Smith the only recognised batters left to save their Ashes hopes.

But after Lyon went down with a hamstring injury, the Aussie quicks stepped up to hand Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Recap all the news and action from day five.

Chris Robinson

England 6-240

There’s another big six from Smith, this time off Cam Green. Back foot, over square leg, into the stands.

195 to win from here. England have navigated their way through the opening half hour of the day.

Chris Robinson

England 6-232

Jamie Smith blasts a towering six over midwicket off Lyon’s bowling in a signal of intent, and he and Jacks are keeping the score ticking over here.

The partnership is worth 38 from nearly 17 overs together. 10 overs remain until Australia can take the new ball.

Jamie Smith is looking to keep the Aussies at bay.
Jamie Smith is looking to keep the Aussies at bay. Credit: Getty Images
Chris Robinson

Jacks stumbles

Will Jacks is limping through for a single after getting his foot caught in a growing divot in the pitch close to the popping crease.

The No.8 is on 13 and Jamie Smith is 11. England’s target is 435 as ‘Living On A Prayer’ rings out among the Barmy Army... fitting!

They are in indeed ‘halfway there’: 6-218, with a further 217 required for the most unlikely of victories.

Chris Robinson

Welcome

Hello and welcome to our coverage of Day 5 from Adelaide!

Nathan Lyon and Cam Green are in operation, with the Aussies mindful of the new ball being available in about 15 overs’ time.

England have nudged along to 6-214 as they try and pull off Mission Impossible!

Comments

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 19-12-2025

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 19 December 202519 December 2025

Gun buybacks, a day of mourning and a heartbreaking paddle-out: Bondi’s impact on Australia.