England’s Ashes hopes are fading fast after yet another dismal showing with the bat handed Australia firm control of the third Test at Adelaide Oval. What began as a promising morning for the tourists quickly unravelled into a familiar story of squandered opportunity, leaving England staring at a likely series defeat.
Having wrapped up Australia’s innings for 371 early on day two on a flat surface, England had every reason to believe they could wrest back momentum. Instead, their reply once again faltered under pressure. By stumps, they had slumped to 213 for 8, trailing by 158 runs, with Australia needing only a draw to retain the Ashes after wins in the first two Tests.
Resistance was fleeting. Harry Brook offered brief defiance with a composed 45 before Cameron Green found a way through. At the end of the day, Ben Stokes, unbeaten on 45, and Jofra Archer, 30 not out, added an unbroken 45-run stand that at least ensured England avoided total capitulation. It was, however, little more than a sliver of hope in an otherwise bleak scoreboard.
For the second day running, England were left frustrated by the application of Snicko. Jamie Smith’s dismissal for 22, caught behind after a review, reignited debate over the technology, but the broader picture was hard to ignore. England’s inability to post substantial totals has again left them chasing the game.
Australia, by contrast, were clinical. Pat Cummins marked his return to the XI in style after missing the opening two Tests, finishing with 3 for 54 and removing Joe Root at a crucial moment. Nathan Lyon, back in the side after being omitted in Brisbane, struck twice in his first over, moving past Glenn McGrath into second place on Australia’s all-time Test wicket-takers list, with only Shane Warne ahead of him.
Scott Boland continued his impressive series with figures of 2 for 31, while Green’s breakthrough against Brook further dented England’s chances. Mitchell Starc endured a quieter day without a wicket, though Australia’s attack barely missed his usual impact.
With three days still remaining, the direction of travel feels unmistakable. Australia hold a commanding advantage in the match and the series, while England face searching questions about their approach and leadership. As another Ashes campaign drifts away, scrutiny will only intensify around captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key, as England once again confront the hard truths exposed by their batting failures.
