England’s hopes of salvaging the Ashes series are rapidly slipping away after another punishing day against a relentless Australian side in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval. On a sweltering second day, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, England’s batters once again failed to stand up to sustained pressure, folding to 213 for eight and conceding a commanding advantage to the hosts.

Australia, who resumed the day well placed, were eventually dismissed for 371, thanks largely to a superb century from Alex Carey and a composed 82 from Usman Khawaja. Jofra Archer was the standout performer for England with the ball, claiming five wickets for 53 runs and briefly offering hope that the tourists could fight their way back into the match.

However, that optimism quickly evaporated once England began their reply.

England Collapse Despite Ideal Batting Conditions

In conditions that strongly favoured batting, England’s innings unravelled alarmingly. This was not an over-ambitious “Bazball” implosion filled with reckless strokes, but rather a collapse driven by disciplined, high-quality Australian bowling that exposed technical flaws and fragile confidence.

England slumped to 42 for three after losing three wickets for just five runs in a devastating spell that effectively decided the direction of the match. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were both dismissed by outstanding deliveries, while Ollie Pope’s ill-judged shot against Nathan Lyon further underlined his growing struggles at number three.

Pope’s dismissal has intensified scrutiny over his place in the side, with his Test future now uncertain ahead of the fourth Test in Melbourne.

Snicko Controversy Adds to England’s Frustration

As with the previous day, technology became a talking point. Jamie Smith found himself at the centre of another Snicko controversy, initially surviving an appeal before later being dismissed via the same system. With earlier doubts surrounding decisions involving Alex Carey, confidence in the Decision Review System appeared shaken on both sides.

While the debate over Snicko will continue, it cannot disguise the larger issue: England were outplayed in every department. The controversy merely distracted from a performance that lacked resilience and authority in a crucial Ashes moment.

Stokes and Brook Show Resistance Amid the Ruins

Captain Ben Stokes and Harry Brook offered the only meaningful resistance. Brook curbed his natural attacking instincts to compile a measured 45 from 63 deliveries before edging Cameron Green. Stokes, meanwhile, displayed immense resolve, battling through physical discomfort to remain unbeaten on 45 after facing more than 150 balls.

His innings was one of defiance rather than dominance, but it prevented England from being forced to follow on and ensured the contest remained alive heading into day three. A late partnership with Archer, who ended the day on 30 not out, provided brief relief in an otherwise grim scorecard.

Australia’s Bowlers Highlight the Gap in Class

Australia’s bowling attack was exceptional from start to finish. Pat Cummins, returning after a lengthy absence due to injury, led brilliantly with figures of three for 54. His ability to extract movement and bounce proved decisive against England’s top order.

Nathan Lyon, recalled after missing the second Test, once again thrived at Adelaide. His control and threat exposed England’s lack of a frontline spinner, while his dismissal of Pope marked a significant milestone in his illustrious Test career.

Mitchell Starc continued his outstanding series, contributing valuable runs with the bat before unleashing express pace that consistently troubled England’s batters. Scott Boland’s relentless accuracy was rewarded with key wickets, while Cameron Green chipped in with the crucial dismissal of Brook.

Ashes Series Slipping Beyond England

With England trailing by 158 runs and Australia firmly in control, the outlook for the visitors is bleak. At 2–0 down coming into the Test, this match represented England’s best opportunity to revive the series. Instead, it has underlined the gulf between the two teams.

Unless England can produce something extraordinary, Australia look set to bat them out of the match and move within touching distance of yet another Ashes series victory on home soil. For Stokes and his leadership group, difficult questions now loom as the much-hyped Bazball era faces its sternest examination yet.