THE WIZARDS OF OZ

Crawley: They're a top team they have just been better

- RORY DOLLARD

ZAK CRAWLEY accepted England were "staring down the barrel" of an Ashes wipeout after failing to match a superior Australia side.

England came up short against their biggest rivals over the course of the first two dispiriting Tests - a two-day implosion in Perth followed by a heavy loss under lights at the Gabba.

After four days in Adelaide, Brendon McCullum's side needed a miracle to prevent them going 3-0 down and keep a one-sided series alive.

Crawley attempted to make a world record chase of 435 seem achievable with a gritty knock of 85, banishing his trademark exuberance for an innings of studied resolve, but could not survive a game-breaking spell from Nathan Lyon.