Adelaide, Dec 18 (UNI) England ended Day 2 struggling at 213 for 8, trailing Australia by 158 runs in a gripping third Ashes Test.
The day saw spirited batting, disciplined bowling, and some memorable individual performances.
England’s innings began with aggressive intent. David Duckett, despite early pressure, struck a flurry of boundaries off Cummins and Mitchell Starc, demonstrating impressive timing and placement.
Joe Root played a composed knock, but was eventually caught behind off Cummins for 19, leaving England in a precarious position.
Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith (22) also contributed valuable runs, with Smith smashing a six and three boundaries to keep England afloat. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, courtesy of disciplined Australian bowling led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
Australia’s bowling spearheaded by Starc, Cummins, and Nathon Lyon kept England under constant pressure.
Starc’s pace and bounce troubled the English top order, while Lyon’s spin proved lethal in the middle overs, claiming key wickets including those of Olie Pope (3) and Duckett (29).
Cummins’ early breakthroughs prevented England from building a strong platform, ensuring Australia maintained the upper hand.
Jofra Archer bowled with pace and precision, claiming five crucial wickets during Australia’s first innings, including the dismissal of Mitchell Starc for a well-played 54.
Australia managed to post a competitive first-innings total of 371, with contributions from Brydon Carse, Scott Boland, and Starc, who struck timely boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking.
By stumps, England were reeling, losing their top order but showing glimpses of resilience lower down. With 8 wickets down, they will look to Ben Stokes and the tail to bat through tomorrow and reduce the deficit.
The match remains finely poised as both teams eye dominance in this pivotal Ashes encounter. Day 3 promises high drama, with Australia hoping to extend their lead while England battles to salvage the innings.
Ashes: England struggle at 213/8 on Day 2
