Australia moved to the brink of retaining the Ashes as England’s resistance crumbled again on a scorching day two in Adelaide, leaving the visitors 158 runs adrift with just two first-innings wickets in hand. Ben Stokes fought a lone, defiant battle with an unbeaten 45 from 151 balls, but England’s fragile batting was once more exposed as the series slipped further from their grasp.
Asked to “show a bit of dog” after falling 2-0 behind, England instead unravelled under relentless pressure from a disciplined Australian attack. Pat Cummins marked his return with 3 for 54, while Nathan Lyon’s twin strikes carried him past Glenn McGrath to become Australia’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, a landmark moment that underlined the hosts’ growing dominance.
England’s troubles were self-inflicted as much as they were enforced. They lost three wickets in 15 balls before lunch, Joe Root fell for the 12th time in Tests to Cummins, and only a 56-run stand between Stokes and Harry Brook briefly steadied the innings. Brook showed flashes of intent, but once he edged Cameron Green, England’s hopes dimmed rapidly in temperatures nudging 40°C.
Jofra Archer, fresh from a five-wicket haul, offered late resistance with a fluent 30 not out, but even his partnership with Stokes could not prevent Australia from maintaining a commanding lead. The surface, expected to deteriorate further in the heat, threatens to make England’s task even more daunting should they be forced to bat last.
Earlier, Australia had pushed their total to 371 thanks to Alex Carey’s maiden Ashes century and a lively tail, with Mitchell Starc’s quickfire runs adding insult to England’s wounds. Despite moments of controversy around real-time Snickometer decisions, England could have few complaints after another limp display when conditions were ideal for batting.
Australia have not yet mathematically sealed the urn, but the momentum is unmistakable. With England staring down another deficit and miracles in short supply, it feels less a question of if Australia will retain the Ashes, and more when.
