England’s bid to claw their way back in the 2025-26 Ashes series appeared to unravel further on day two of the third Test at Adelaide Oval, with host Australia firmly on the front foot and England’s hopes of avoiding a series-ending defeat looking increasingly remote.
After posting a strong total of 371 in their first innings, Australia’s bowlers once again troubled the English top order under sweltering conditions, leaving the visitors at 213 for eight at the close of play, still 158 runs behind in their reply. Resilient lower-order resistance has kept England’s first innings alive, but the tourists face a stern task to avoid conceding what would be a series-clinching victory for Australia.
England’s collapse in the middle and lower batting order has been a recurring theme of the tour, with top-order batsmen failing to convert starts into substantial scores in foreign conditions. The persistent batting frailties leave England requiring something close to a miracle to stave off defeat in Adelaide, which would hand Australia a commanding 3–0 lead in the five-Test series.
Australia’s strong position has been underpinned by a robust batting performance and effective bowling from their attacking unit. The hosts have also seen controversy swirl around the third umpire review technology, particularly the Snickometer (Snicko), with notable disputes raising eyebrows and prompting criticism from players during the match.
With them recrimination and debate over technology adding to the on-field struggle, all attention now turns to day three in Adelaide, when the tourists must conjure a dramatic turnaround if they are to keep their slim Ashes hopes alive. A defeat for England would see Australia secure another series victory on home soil, affirming their dominance in the current campaign.
