ADELAIDE, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Travis ‌Head and Alex Carey forged a defiant late stand at their home Adelaide ‌Oval on Friday to all but erase England's Ashes hopes, the pair leaning ‌on each other through another draining afternoon in the heat.

Head's unbeaten 142 and Carey's stubborn 52 not out helped Australia reach 271 for four at stumps and extend their lead to an imposing 356 runs.