England's hopes of retaining the Ashes are on the brink of extinction following a catastrophic batting performance on the second day of the third Test in Adelaide.
Tourists Capitulate in Perfect Conditions
Already trailing 2-0 in the series after defeats in Perth and Brisbane, the English batting line-up folded once more, this time in near-ideal conditions for scoring runs. On a placid pitch under a scorching sun exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, England wilted in response to Australia's first-innings total of 371.
They stumbled to a feeble 213 for eight by the close of play, a deficit of 158 runs. Captain Ben Stokes mounted a defiant rearguard action, finishing 45 not out from 151 balls, but his stoic defence, often played in visible discomfort, could not mask a systemic failure.
Australia's Attack Dominates as Lyon Makes History
Australia's bowling, led superbly by returning skipper Pat Cummins, exploited England's frailties. Cummins, playing his first competitive match since July, bowled with relentless accuracy to claim three for 54. The recalled spinner Nathan Lyon enjoyed a triumphant return, dismissing Ben Duckett to first equal and then surpass Glenn McGrath's tally of 562 Test wickets, becoming Australia's second-highest wicket-taker of all time.
England's top order disintegrated before lunch, losing Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, and Ben Duckett within 15 balls. Pope's tame flick to midwicket was a particularly poor stroke, intensifying scrutiny on his place at number three. Joe Root, reprieved early by a contentious decision, failed to capitalise and fell for 19 after lunch.
DRS Controversy and Missed Opportunities
The day was again marred by confusion over the Snickometer technology, with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith involved in two disputed decisions. While this created frustration, it could not distract from England's fundamental batting woes.
Earlier, Jofra Archer had given the tourists a glimmer of hope, mopping up the Australian tail to finish with excellent figures of five for 53, his best return since his debut summer in 2019. However, the chance to build a substantial reply on a batting-friendly ground was squandered by the top order's rapid collapse.
With Stokes battling physical distress and only the tail for company, England face a monumental task to avoid going 3-0 down in the series. Australia's commanding position leaves them firmly in control as the Adelaide Test moves into its third day.
