Adelaide, 18 December (H.S.): Led by skipper Pat Cummins (3/54) and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon (2/51), the Australian bowlers produced a masterclass on the second day of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, reducing England to 213 for 8 at stumps. England now trail Australia by 158 runs.

Earlier in the day, England began brightly by wrapping up Australia’s innings for 371, but their momentum was short-lived as the hosts clawed back control through incisive bowling. Resuming on 326 for 8, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon extended their overnight partnership, taking the score to 344.

Starc played a brisk knock, completing his half-century off 73 balls before Jofra Archer ended his innings on 54. Archer then dismissed Lyon to close out the innings and claimed his third five-wicket haul against Australia—and the fourth of his Test career—finishing with figures of 5 for 53.In reply, England began with intent, but Cummins broke through in the eighth over, removing Zak Crawley to secure the first breakthrough.

Lyon struck immediately in his first over, dismissing Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett off consecutive deliveries to put England on the back foot. During this spell, Lyon surpassed Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563 wickets, becoming Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test history.

Joe Root and Harry Brook briefly attempted to stabilize the innings, but Cummins struck again, having Root caught behind by Alex Carey. Captain Ben Stokes and Brook showed resistance but failed to build a substantial partnership. Brook fell for 45, while Stokes remained unbeaten on 45 at the close of play.

Day two also witnessed moments of controversy involving umpiring decisions and the Snicko technology. Questions were raised over two calls concerning Jamie Smith, prompting visible frustration in the England camp. Mitchell Starc, caught on the stump mic, criticized the system, calling it “the worst technology ever.”

Scott Boland compounded England’s troubles late in the day, dismissing Will Jacks and Brydon Carse at low scores. England ended the session at 213 for 8, with Stokes holding one end firm as Australia maintained complete control.Australia will now aim to finish off the English innings early on day three and build a commanding first-innings lead.

Brief Scores:

England: 213/8 (Harry Brook 45, Ben Stokes 45*; Pat Cummins 3/54, Nathan Lyon 2/51)

Australia: 371 (Alex Carey 106, Usman Khawaja 82, Mitchell Starc 54; Jofra Archer 5/53)

England trail Australia by 158 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar