England's ambitions of reclaiming the Ashes are dangling by the thinnest of threads after a catastrophic batting display on Day Two of the Third Test at the Adelaide Oval. On a benign pitch offering little to bowlers, the tourists' top order faltered spectacularly, stumbling to 162 for 6 by the early evening session, a position of profound peril.
Batting Collapse Under Scorching Skies
The day began with Australia resuming on 326-8, and Mitchell Starc swiftly reached his half-century. The hosts added a brisk 45 runs from just 38 balls, peppering the boundary nine times before being dismissed for 371 all out. England's reply started shakily and never found solid footing. The temperature at the ground soared past 40 degrees Celsius, prompting officials to spray spectators with water and offer sunscreen. The expensive seats atop the Riverbank Stand, costing £130 for half an hour, remained empty as conditions were deemed too hazardous above 36 degrees.
A brief resistance came from a stubborn 50-run partnership between Ben Stokes and Harry Brook. However, Cameron Green removed Brook in his first over, and the innings unravelled from there. The dismissals epitomised England's frailty: Ollie Pope, fighting for his Test career, could only clip a soft catch to midwicket off Nathan Lyon for a meagre three runs, a shot rivalling the worst of the series.
Snicko at the Centre of Storm
The day was dominated by almost constant controversy surrounding the Decision Review System (DRS), particularly the 'Snicko' audio technology. The system was at the heart of several contentious moments. Steve Smith was given out after a review that detected a faint edge to the keeper, despite visual evidence appearing inconclusive, leading to what were described as "faintly anarchic" scenes.
Later, the technology failed to register an edge from Harry Brook, much to Australian frustration. The drama continued into the final session when a review for a caught behind off Jamie Smith was turned down as Snicko detected no contact, even though the Australians were convinced the ball had brushed the glove. The ball, in any case, had not carried to the slip fielder.
Lyon Enters the Record Books
Amid the chaos, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon carved his name deeper into history. By dismissing Ben Duckett with a superb delivery, he claimed his 564th Test wicket, surpassing the great Glenn McGrath to become Australia's second-most prolific Test bowler of all time. Only the legendary Shane Warne, with 708 wickets, now stands ahead of him.
As England's hopes dwindled, the historical context was palpable. A giant replica of the Ashes urn stood outside the ground, bearing an optimistic verse from the 1882-83 tour. The sentiment of triumphant return felt a world away from the current predicament, a point underscored by former England spinner Graeme Swann's blunt analysis on television. For England, with the series on the line, the path back is now steep and fraught.
