England is on the ropes and needs a miracle heading into the third Ashes test in Adelaide on Wednesday, with ruthless Australia boosted by the return of Pat Cummins as it looks to seal the series.

Eight-wicket defeats in Perth and Brisbane mean England has now gone 17 tests since winning in Australia, dating back to its last series victory there in 2010-11.

A win for the hosts will ensure the five-match showdown will be over inside three tests for the fourth consecutive series in Australia.