Australian player Marnus Labuschagne dived to his left to take a brilliant catch, dismissing Ollie Pope off Pat Cummins. Ollie Pope continued his lackluster form in the Ashes as England struggled to chase down a mammoth target of 400+.
Australia are already in the driving seat, as they have managed to take an early 2-0 lead in the home Ashes series. Playing without their main fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins, Australia have never looked a less impressive team in this Ashes.
England are struggling to keep their hopes alive in the series, as they will have to win or at least draw the Adelaide Test to keep their hopes alive in the series. However, given the circumstances of the match, either England is chasing the target or Australia is defending it; There is no possibility of draw in this game.
Marnus Labuschagne resorts to blinder to dismiss Ollie Pope
Australia managed to set a target of 435 runs before the British, as Travis Head crossed the 150-run mark with Alex Carey making important contributions with his half-century.
England lost their opener Ben Duckett on the very second ball of Pat Cummins when they came to bat. The left-handed batsman has been struggling with form in this Ashes series, as he has not been able to maintain his form in any of the games so far.
After Duckett was dismissed, Ollie Pope came to bat, and he too could not snap out of his poor spell after being dismissed by Pat Cummins again. The ball edged between first and second slip and Labuschagne, standing at second slip, took a brilliant catch, almost turning it.
Marnus are you kidding! Wow!#ash , #PlayoftheDay , @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/vikW0O7B6L
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 20 December 2025
England’s middle order is in control in Adelaide
After England’s top order struggled with the bat, the middle order comprising veteran cricketer Joe Root and vice-captain Harry Brook steadied the innings along with opener Jack Crawley.
Jack Crawley has been strong in the innings with a half-century as England have lost four wickets after the England opener as well as some meaningful partnerships for the third and fourth wickets between Joe Root and Harry Brook.
Following his dismissal, skipper Ben Stokes and England’s highest scorer in the first innings has looked to lead his innings with Crawley looking settled and will be eyeing his maiden century of the series.
Can the Australians dominate day five to win the Ashes in Adelaide?
Adelaide Test is the third match of the Ashes series. Stand-in captain Steve Smith missed the Test due to ill health; However, Pat Cummins bounced back and took charge of the Australian team.
Nathan Lyon also returned to the Australian team and this Test was historic for him. He bowled brilliantly in both the innings and whenever his team needed it, he performed brilliantly and took important wickets.
Lyon also overtook former Australian legend Glenn McGrath in the list of most Test wickets for Australia. With half of England’s squad back on the fourth day, Australia are likely to dominate the final day of play to win the Ashes series.
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