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Australia ripped through England’s batting on Day 2 of the Ashes Test, leaving the tourists on the brink of defeat. Full match analysis, key moments, and what lies ahead.
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England Ashes hopes
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Australia vs England Ashes Test
Ashes series 2025
Ben Stokes batting rescue
Pat Cummins wickets
Nathan Lyon spin attack
Snicko controversy Ashes
Australia cricket dominance
England batting collapse
England’s Ashes Dreams on Life Support as Australia Rip Through Batting
England’s Ashes campaign is teetering on the edge of collapse after a ruthless Australian bowling performance on Day 2 of the third Test left the visitors staring down the barrel of another crushing defeat.
In scorching conditions approaching 40°C, Australia once again exposed England’s fragile batting, reducing them to 213 for 8 at stumps, still 158 runs behind after the hosts added a modest 45 runs to their overnight total of 326 for 8.
With the five-match series already at 2–0, England now need nothing short of a miracle to keep the Ashes alive. A loss or even a draw here would see Australia retain the urn, continuing their dominance after emphatic eight-wicket victories in Perth and Brisbane.
Match Situation at a Glance
By the end of Day 2:
- England: 213/8
- Australia lead: 158 runs
- Not out: Ben Stokes (45), Jofra Archer (30)
- Pitch conditions: Ideal for batting
- Series status: Australia lead 2–0
Despite avoiding the follow-on, England remain in dire trouble — and only a heroic stand from captain Ben Stokes offers a glimmer of hope.
Australia Set the Platform with the Bat
Australia resumed the day on 326 for 8, powered by a combination of grit and flair from Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja on Day 1.
Carey’s Emotional Home Century
Alex Carey’s 106 on home soil was the emotional centrepiece of Australia’s innings. However, it did not come without controversy.
When Carey was on 72, he appeared to edge Josh Tongue behind. England reviewed, but Snicko technology failed to register the contact correctly. Later replays showed:
- A suspicious noise spike
- A likely edge
- A confirmed technology operator error
Carey later admitted he probably edged the ball — an admission that would fuel England’s frustration.
Snicko Controversy Overshadows the Test
The Snicko technology malfunction became one of the most talked-about moments of the match.
Cricket Australia Reacts
Before play on Day 2, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg publicly criticised the incident:
“In my view, it’s not good enough. We’re hoping to get answers so we can be assured it won’t happen again.”
Ironically, England would later find themselves on the wrong side of another Snicko decision, intensifying the controversy.
England’s Reply: A Familiar Story Unfolds
England’s innings began with cautious optimism.
Steady Start by Openers
Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley negotiated the new ball well, seeing off early threats from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
For a brief moment, England looked settled.
But as has been the case repeatedly this series, the stability proved to be nothing more than a mirage.
The Collapse: Three Wickets in 15 Balls
Australia struck with brutal efficiency.
Cummins Breaks Through
In his first Test since July, following recovery from lower back issues, Pat Cummins made an immediate impact.
- Crawley edged Cummins to Alex Carey for 9
- England lost their first wicket
- Momentum swung sharply
Then came the decisive masterstroke.
Nathan Lyon: The Game-Changing Over
In a move hailed as tactical brilliance, Cummins introduced Nathan Lyon into the attack early — a bold decision after Lyon was controversially omitted from the pink-ball Test in Brisbane.
Lyon’s Magic Over
Lyon’s very first over turned the match on its head:
- Ollie Pope (3) flicked straight to Josh Inglis at midwicket
- Ben Duckett (29) bowled by a classic Lyon off-spinner
In the space of minutes, England lost three wickets for five runs, reigniting memories of countless Ashes collapses.
Joe Root Falls to His Nemesis Again
England’s most reliable batter, Joe Root, briefly survived when he edged Scott Boland to Carey — only for the review to show the ball did not carry.
But the reprieve was short-lived.
Cummins vs Root: A One-Sided Contest
Cummins dismissed Root shortly after lunch, once again inducing an edge to Carey.
- 12th time Cummins has dismissed Root
- More than any other bowler
- A staggering psychological advantage
Root’s failure at such a crucial moment left England reeling.
Stokes Shows ‘A Bit of Dog’
With England’s Ashes hopes fading, captain Ben Stokes dug deep.
Earlier, Stokes had spoken about the need to show “a bit of dog” — resilience, fight, and character. On Day 2, he lived those words.
Helmet Scare
Stokes barely flinched when a vicious Starc bouncer struck the back of his helmet.
- Immediate medical check
- Cleared to continue
- Crowd held its breath
Stokes responded the only way he knows how — by fighting harder.
A Captain’s Innings Under Pressure
Stokes’ 45 not out from 151 balls was a study in grit rather than flair.
- Faced relentless pace and bounce
- Absorbed pressure
- Protected the tail
Though the scoreboard pressure remains immense, Stokes’ innings ensured England avoided the follow-on, a small but significant moral victory.
Cameron Green and Carey Strike Again
Just before tea, Cameron Green was introduced — and immediately made an impact.
Harry Brook Falls
Harry Brook was caught behind by Carey, who was once again flawless with the gloves.
Carey’s keeping has been outstanding:
- Sharp reactions
- Clean takes
- Constant pressure on batters
His involvement in multiple dismissals underlined his influence on the match.
Another Snicko Controversy: Jamie Smith
England’s frustration with technology resurfaced when Jamie Smith (22) was dismissed.
- Cummins bowled
- Carey caught
- Smith reviewed
The Decision
Snicko showed a faint spike — despite a visible gap between bat and ball.
- Stokes visibly shook his head
- Smith walked off reluctantly
- Crowd reaction was hostile
Once again, England felt technology had gone against them at a crucial moment.
Boland Cleans Up the Tail
With England’s lower order exposed, Scott Boland went to work.
- Will Jacks (6) dismissed
- Brydon Carse (0) gone cheaply
Boland’s discipline and accuracy ensured England could not rebuild momentum.
Archer Fights Back with the Bat
Joining Stokes late in the day, Jofra Archer showed unexpected composure.
- 30 not out
- Solid defence
- Smart shot selection
Their partnership remains England’s last realistic hope of narrowing the deficit.
Australia’s Bowlers: A Complete Unit
Australia’s dominance has been built on collective excellence.
Bowling Figures Snapshot
- Pat Cummins: Relentless, intelligent leadership
- Nathan Lyon: Match-turning spell
- Mitchell Starc: Pace, bounce, intimidation
- Scott Boland: Accuracy and pressure
This balance has consistently overwhelmed England’s batting lineup.
England’s Ashes Campaign: What’s Gone Wrong?
Repeated Issues
- Fragile middle order
- Poor shot selection under pressure
- Inability to counter spin early
- Psychological scars from past defeats
Despite moments of promise, England have been unable to sustain partnerships.
Series Context: Australia in Command
Australia’s position is commanding:
- 2–0 up in the series
- Dominant wins in Perth and Brisbane
- On course to retain the Ashes
England must now win this Test — anything less hands Australia the urn.
Can England Still Escape?
For England to survive:
- Stokes must produce something extraordinary
- Lower order must contribute
- Bowlers must exploit any pitch deterioration
History suggests such turnarounds are rare — especially in Australia.
Australia Eyeing Another Statement Win
For Australia, the task is simple:
- Clean up the tail quickly
- Bat England out of the game
- Apply relentless scoreboard pressure
Another dominant win would underline their status as the world’s most complete Test side.
Final Thoughts: Ashes Slipping Away
As things stand, England’s Ashes dreams are hanging by a thread.
Australia have:
- Outplayed England tactically
- Dominated key sessions
- Exploited every weakness
Unless Ben Stokes can summon one of the greatest rescue acts in Ashes history, the urn will remain firmly in Australian hands.
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