England lose both openers after Australia make 473

England lose both openers after Australia make 473

It was another dominant day for Australia in the second Test at Adelaide, with Joe Root’s men facing an uphill task to find their way back into the series. After declaring on 473 for nine in the first innings, the hosts removed both openers in their short burst with the new ball before a flash of lightning brought an early close of play.

Although Rory Burns avoided taking strike on the first ball of the innings to prevent a repeat of the Gabba, the England opener only lasted three deliveries, nicking Mitchell Starc to second slip in the third over. Haseeb Hameed fell shortly after, flicking the debutant Michael Neser’s second ball in Test cricket straight to mid-on to leave the visitors reeling at 12 for two.

Australia resumed the day with Marnus Labuschagne on 95, and the Queenslander wasted no time in reaching his sixth Test ton and first against England. Having survived two dropped chances the day before, Labuschagne continued to live a charmed life after being dismissed on 102 off a no-ball from Ollie Robinson. However, Australia’s number three couldn’t capitalise on his third life, departing just one run later to an inswinger from Robinson.

The visitors also managed to remove Travis Head and Cameron Green in quick succession to claw their way back into the contest before the dinner break, but Australia pulled away once again as Steve Smith continued to torment the English bowlers. Similar to Warner and Labuschagne on day one, the stand-in Australian captain remained incredibly patient at the crease, leaving the ball excellently and punishing any looseners offered up by the visitors.

Smith was provided good company by Alex Carey, with the pair sharing a vital 91-run stand before James Anderson dismissed them both before the interval. Smith was denied his 12th Ashes ton when Anderson got one to stay a touch low and trap him on the pads, while Carey departed after reaching his maiden Test 50, stroking one straight to extra cover.

England threatened to dismiss the hosts to a score under 400, but Australia’s lower-order piled on the frustration as Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser threw caution into the wind in the final session. The two pacers creamed England’s weary seam attack to all parts of the ground as the night crept in at the Adelaide Oval, sharing a priceless 58-run partnership. Neser clubbed 35 off 24 balls before holing out in the deep while Starc managed a run a ball 39 before Steve Smith called them in with 473 on the board.