Source cricbuzz
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – Australia is on the verge of a commanding 2-0 Ashes series lead after a masterful display of pace bowling from Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland saw England’s second innings collapse under the Gabba floodlights on Day Three of the Second Test.
England ended the day at a precarious 134 for 6, still trailing Australia’s first-innings total by 43 runs, with only captain Ben Stokes and Will Jacks offering resistance. The tourists face a monumental task to avoid a heavy defeat when play resumes on Sunday.
Starc’s All-Round Heroics
The day belonged emphatically to the host nation, with the 35-year-old Mitchell Starc being the standout performer. Having anchored the Australian tail with a crucial innings-high score of 77 earlier in the day—guiding his side to a massive first-innings lead of 177 after a total of 511—Starc returned to do the primary damage with the pink ball.
Starc’s gritty knock, a Gabba record for a number nine against England, was part of a frustrating 75-run ninth-wicket partnership with Scott Boland (21 not out) that consumed vital time and pushed the game firmly into Australia’s favour.
The Twilight Collapse
Armed with the new pink Kookaburra ball, the Australian quicks made the most of the twilight conditions. Starc secured the most prized wicket of the evening, removing top-ranked batter Joe Root (15), who edged a swinging delivery to the keeper, Alex Carey, to leave England at 123-5. Starc quickly added the wicket of Jamie Smith to finish the day with figures of 2-25.
However, the opening breakthroughs were provided by the relentless Scott Boland and the returning Michael Neser. Boland, maintaining a probing line and length, struck twice to remove openers Ben Duckett (15) and Harry Brook (15), bowling with the same control that has defined his Ashes career.
Michael Neser, who bowled brilliantly in support, also collected two sharp caught-and-bowled dismissals to account for Ollie Pope (26) and Zak Crawley (44), cementing Australia’s dominance.
“The twilight session is always crucial in a day-night Test, and the way Starc and Boland attacked the stumps was a masterclass. They didn’t allow England’s batters a moment to breathe.”
— An unnamed Australian commentator
Stakes High for Day Four
With England’s renowned ‘Bazball’ approach faltering against a high-class seam attack, all eyes now turn to the overnight pair of captain Ben Stokes and Will Jacks, both on 4 not out. They must somehow conjure an improbable rescue act to wipe out the deficit and set a competitive target for Australia, who are now heavy favourites to wrap up the match early on Sunday and take a decisive 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Can England’s middle-order mount a fightback, or will the Australian pace battery finish the job quickly?
