The Ashes 2021/22, 2nd Test, Day 3: Australia seize control of Adelaide Test

Dec 18, 2021

The Ashes 2021/22, 2nd Test, Day 3: Australia seize control of Adelaide Test Image

A collapse triggered by Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon undid a resistance from Joe Root and Dawid Malan as England were bowled out for 236, handing a massive 237-run first innings lead to Australia in the second Test match of the Ashes, at the Adelaide Oval. Australia then walked away from Day 3 on 45/1: they lead by 282 runs at stumps, and are all set for a 2-0 lead.

Marcus Harris and David Warner batted cautiously as they had to bat out 17 overs. A mix-up between led to the Warner's dismissal three overs before the stumps, but Harris is still there, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith to follow.

Earlier, Root and Malan steadied the innings with a 138-run stand for the third wicket. With the pitch not offering much assistance to fast bowlers, both batters looked comfortable in the first session. Then there were some nervous moments once Lyon came into the attack. 

Root's fell for 62, when he edged to Smith in the slips off Cam Green. Starc then bowled a short-pitched ball outside off stump that Malan (80) edged to first slip.

Ollie Pope fell cheaply to Lyon, while Starc got Jos Buttler for a duck. Chris Woakes struck five fours in his 25, but the others could not offer much resistance as England were bundled out for 236. Starc finished with four wickets and Lyon three.

Brief scores: Australia 473/9 decl. (Marnus Labuschagne 103, Ben Stokes 3-113) and 45/1 (Marcus Harris 21) lead England 236 (Dawid Malan 80; Mitchell Starc 4-37) by 282 runs.