Australia vs England 3rd Ashes Test Day 2: Brittle ENG batting falls apart again vs relentless AUS – Action in Images

England end the second day with just two wickets in hand and 158 runs behind Australia: no half-centurions, and a lot of the same old sinking feeling.

Published on: Dec 18, 2025 1:12 PM IST

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Published on Dec 18, 2025 1:12 PM

Australia on top, and England in their dust. 8 wickets for the Aussies on Day 2, and England looking atypically passive as relentless bowling pressure means they are 158 runs behind with just two wickets to spare in the first innings.  (AP)

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England did leak some runs in the morning to Mitchell Starc and the tailenders, but nevertheless, Jofra Archer finished with a five-fer to mark an impressive performance over the course of the bowling innings. (AFP)

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A message sent loud and clear by Nathan Lyon. After being dropped in Brisbane, Lyon came back in and struck twice in his very first over – removing Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett to leave England reeling at 42/3 in no time.  (AFP)

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Harry Brook showed plenty of composure and restaint during his innings of 45: pundits and he himself have called for cricket more along these lines given the incredible talent he possesses, and it seemed to be paying off. A dismissal to Cameron Green against the run of play was the turning point in this innings. (AP)

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Pat Cummins marked his return from injury with a typically probing performance, and led the way with 3 wickets for Australia – prime amongst them that of Joe Root, dismissed on 19. Leading from the front. (REUTERS)

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From 159/5 with a chance to rattle the Australians, to 168/8 with that hope extinguished. A second collapse of the day ensured Australia have one foot through the door in terms of sealing a series win. (AP)

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Ben Stokes kneels to the ground in exhaustion. On a super-hot day in Adelaide, Stokes spent over 4 hours at the crease, facing 151 deliveries enroute to 45*. Importantly, he remains in to try and take advantage on Day 3. (AP)

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Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer put together a 45*-run stand towards the close of play, batting through exhaustion and a late barrage to not only survive, but also chip away with some runs. Both look capable, and will have intentions of eating away a significant chunk of the deficit tomorrow morning. (REUTERS)