Australia have regained the Ashes and boosted their chances of another appearance in the ICC World Test Championship Final with a dominant 82-run victory over England in the third Test in Adelaide on Sunday.
The Aussies clinched the win midway through the final day of the Adelaide contest, with Scott Boland claiming the decisive wicket as England were bowled out for 352 in their second innings as Australia made it 3-0 in the five-game Ashes series.
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The tourists actually put up an improved performance with the bat in Adelaide. With their total in the second innings their best through three Tests Down Under. And boosted by half-centuries from opener Zak Crawley (85) and keeper Jamie Smith (60).
Smith and Will Jacks (47) had safely negotiated much of the morning session on day five. And there were hopes of an unlikely English victory looming when Australia spinner Nathan Lyon hurt his hamstring and ruled out for the remainder of the Test.
But Marnus Labuschagne held on to a brilliant chance at slip to help dismiss Jacks. And Boland finished the job to have Josh Tongue caught in the same spot. As the Aussies clinched the victory in style.
The next Test begins on Boxing Day in Melbourne. With Lyon’s fitness closely monitored prior to the match. The veteran was ruled out then Australia may turn to fellow off-spinner Todd Murphy. Left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann or uncapped tweaker Corey Rocchiccioli.