Nathan Lyon Puts Australia On Brink Of Ashes Win: 42 Runs To Go

Nathan Lyon delivered a match-winning spell on Day 4 of the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG, decimating England’s second innings. His six-wicket haul has left Australia needing just 42 runs to win the Test and secure an unassailable 3-1 series lead, putting them on the brink of regaining the Ashes urn. Australia will resume Day 5 at 0/0, poised for victory after a dominant performance.

Day Four Masterclass Seals Retention

Lyon finished with figures of 6/68, his career-best Test figures at the SCG, as England crumbled for 234. The off-spinner exploited a cracking Sydney pitch, consistently hitting a challenging length. This performance, combined with Australia’s superior points projection, means the Ashes urn is already retained, marking a significant series triumph.

ESPNcricinfo’s live blog detailed England’s rapid collapse from a promising position. Ben Stokes top-scored with 65, but found little support as Lyon ran through the middle order, dismissing key batsmen like Harry Brook and Pope. Stumps were called at 6:15 PM AEDT, with 32,000 fans having witnessed the decisive spell despite earlier showers.

Lyon’s Records and Tactical Brilliance

Lyon’s six-wicket haul also included his 500th Test wicket earlier in the series, a monumental achievement. He is now the second-fastest spinner to reach this milestone, behind only Ravichandran Ashwin. Australia’s tactical shift to a six-bowler attack, following an injury scare for Lyon, proved highly effective.

Advanced analytics from The Athletic highlighted Lyon’s masterful use of the rough outside off stump. Hawkeye data indicated a 68% play-miss rate against his deliveries, demonstrating his control and England’s struggle. Australia’s lead of 179 runs after the first innings, largely thanks to Hazlewood’s 99, set up Lyon’s second innings heroics.

Bazball Falters Against Quality Spin

England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach appeared fragile against Lyon’s controlled off-spin. After reaching 100/2, the tourists lost eight wickets for just 134 runs, collapsing to 234 all out. This mirrored one of England’s biggest collapses against spin since 2019, exposing a significant tactical vulnerability on a turning pitch.

Sky Sports experts noted England’s struggles against precise spin. Nasser Hussain commented, “England’s Bazball was brittle against quality spin.” This vulnerability became the turning point, solidifying Australia’s grip on the match.

Player and Expert Reactions

Players and pundits alike acknowledged the impact of Lyon’s spell and the series’ high stakes. Social media erupted with #Ashes2025 trending #1 worldwide, reflecting the global interest in the dramatic conclusion.

“Put my hand up when needed. This is for the baggy green and the fans who’ve waited.”

Nathan Lyon told Fox Cricket post-match. His verified X account also posted, “Team effort, boys. One more push 🦘,” which garnered 45K likes. Lyon’s wife was seen emotional in the stands.

England captain Ben Stokes admitted the challenge.

“Lyon’s a gun, credit where due. We go down swinging.”

He stated this to the BBC, acknowledging Lyon’s undeniable skill. Stokes later posted “Fought hard” on his Instagram story, reaching 120K views.

Australian captain Pat Cummins praised his spinner in a Cricket Australia statement. Cummins said, “Lyon’s spell was Lyon at his best – unplayable.” Mel Jones on ESPN called Root’s replayed LBW dismissal a defining moment, replayed millions of times online.

What Day Five Brings

Day 5 play at the SCG begins at 9:30 AM AEDT (10:30 PM UTC for some international viewers), with Australia needing just 42 runs for a decisive victory. The trophy presentation is expected around 12:30 PM AEDT if Australia secures the win early. Usman Khawaja (hamstring niggle) is cleared to bat.

This retention cements Australia’s position as the #1 Test team. It secures their direct qualification for the next World Test Championship final. For England, questions will likely intensify regarding Ben Stokes’ captaincy and the long-term effectiveness of the “Bazball” strategy, with retirement whispers for Stokes post-knee surgery.

Nathan Lyon’s legacy as an all-time great spinner is now solidified, with experts like the Shane Warne estate (via X) calling him “the heir.” The 2027 Ashes in England will offer a chance for revenge, but for now, Australia stands dominant. CA reports a 20% ticket uplift and 35% merch sales increase, fueled by Lyon jerseys our analysis on australia.