England finds itself in a precarious position at 213-8 in response to Australia’s first innings total of 371 on day two of the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. Australia, needing only a draw to retain the Ashes after winning the first two Tests, now leads by 158 runs with three days remaining in the match.The day began with England claiming the final two Australian wickets, bowling them out for 371 on what appeared to be a flat pitch. Alex Carey led the Australian batting with 106 runs off 143 balls, supported by Usman Khawaja’s 82 and Mitchell Starc’s 54.
England’s batting response struggled despite resistance from Harry Brook, who scored 45, and captain Ben Stokes, who remained unbeaten on 45. They were further aided by an unbroken 45-run partnership between Stokes and Jofra Archer, who scored 30 not out.The day was marked by controversy as Jamie Smith was given out caught behind after a review using Snicko technology, adding to England’s frustrations with the decision review system for the second consecutive day.Australian captain Pat Cummins made an impressive return to action after missing the first two Tests due to injury, taking three wickets for 54 runs, including the crucial dismissal of Joe Root.Nathan Lyon celebrated a milestone in his comeback match, surpassing Glenn McGrath to become Australia’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, behind only Shane Warne. Lyon struck twice in his first over, finishing with figures of 2-51.Scott Boland continued his effective bowling, claiming two wickets for 31 runs, while Cameron Green contributed by dismissing the dangerous Harry Brook. Mitchell Starc had a quiet day despite carrying Australia’s attack in the previous two Tests.Jofra Archer was England’s most successful bowler in Australia’s innings, taking five wickets for 53 runs. The English first innings also saw contributions from Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith, who each scored 29 runs.The match situation has raised questions about the futures of England’s leadership team, including captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum, and managing director Rob Key, as the team faces the prospect of losing both the match and series.
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