England stare at another crushing defeat after losing four wickets for just 32 by stumps on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test match. They still need 51 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Debutant Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc took two wickets each after Australia were bowled out for 267 in the first innings.
With three days remaining in the game, England need to put up 250 to 300 to give themselves a chance. A draw, at this point, seems improbable.
The onus will be on Joe Root (12) and Ben Stokes (2). If Root indeed gets a big score, he will Mohammad Yousuf's record of most Test runs in a calendar year. For that, he will have to score his first Test hundred on Australian soil.
England need gargantuan efforts from both Roots and Stokes to avoid a defeat. Their only other batters of note are Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow.
Considering how Starc, Boland, and Pat Cummins – who was unfortunate to not get a wicket – bowled on Day 2, they may well wrap up the game early on Day 3. Nathan Lyon may also come into the scene later on the day.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Load your team with Australian bowlers. The England bowlers are unlikely to have much to bowl in the second innings.
- You must pick Root and Stokes in your fantasy XI.