A disciplined Australian bowling attack has left England’s chances of retaining the Ashes hanging by a thread after a grueling second day in Adelaide. The tourists, replying to Australia’s first-innings total of 371, labored to 213 for 8 by stumps, still trailing by 158 runs.
The day belonged to the Australian bowlers, who shared the wickets under a punishing sun. Captain Pat Cummins led from the front, claiming three crucial wickets, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon made an immediate impact upon his return. Lyon’s double-wicket maiden early in England’s innings, which saw him dismiss Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett in quick succession, shifted the momentum decisively in the home side’s favor.
England’s innings was a story of starts without substance. Harry Brook offered the most resistance with a patient 45, but his dismissal, caught behind off Cameron Green, sparked a familiar collapse. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with Joe Root and Zak Crawley also falling cheaply to the relentless Australian pace.
A late, spirited partnership of 55 runs for the ninth wicket between captain Ben Stokes and bowler Jofra Archer provided a flicker of defiance, ensuring England avoided the follow-on. Stokes finished the day unbeaten on 45, battling evident physical discomfort, while Archer contributed a valuable 30. Their stand at least guarantees England will bat again, but the mountain they must climb to save the Test and the series remains colossal.
The day was not without controversy. The dismissal of England’s Jamie Smith, given out caught behind after a review showed a spike on the ultra-edge technology, reignited debate over the consistency of the decision-review system, echoing a similar incident from the previous day.
With only two wickets in hand and a significant deficit, England require a miraculous turnaround on day three. The Australian bowlers, having tasted blood, will be eager to wrap up the innings quickly and press home their commanding position in the series.