England's hopes of levelling the Ashes series are hanging by a thread after a calamitous batting collapse on the third day of the second Test at Brisbane's Gabba. The tourists now require a miracle from captain Ben Stokes to avoid a defeat that would see Australia retain the famous urn.
Australia Seize Control After Lower-Order Rally
The day began with Australia's tailenders frustrating the England attack, adding valuable runs to their overnight total. Mitchell Starc was the chief aggressor, scoring a vital 77 runs before the hosts were finally dismissed for 511. This gave Australia a formidable first-innings lead of 177 runs, piling immense pressure on England's top order.
England's openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, initially provided a glimmer of hope with a bright start to the second innings. They reached 45 without loss at the tea break, suggesting a fightback was possible. However, the final session brought a dramatic and familiar collapse.
England's Batting Collapse Undoes Hard Work
The wickets fell in a heap after the interval. Both openers were dismissed swiftly, followed by Ollie Pope, who played a rash shot to throw his wicket away. The crucial blow came when Joe Root, centurion in the first innings, was trapped lbw by Mitchell Starc for just 15. Harry Brook and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith followed in quick succession, leaving England reeling at 134 for 6, still trailing by 43 runs.
All hopes now rest with Ben Stokes, who remains at the crease alongside Will Jacks, and the bowlers to come. England require another 44 runs just to make Australia bat again, a task that looks monumental given the current situation.
England Player Ratings from the Gabba
Zak Crawley - 5
Looked more comfortable than in Perth but threw away a promising start with a poor dismissal in the crucial second innings.
Ben Duckett - 3
Missed two costly catches on day two and failed to convert a bright start into a substantial score, out for 15.
Ollie Pope - 4
Played a reckless shot at a critical moment when England were well-placed at 90-1, gifting his wicket away unnecessarily.
Joe Root - 7
A star with the bat in the first innings, providing calm and a superb century. His second-innings failure for 15 was a major setback.
Harry Brook - 4
Has failed to make a significant impact since the first Test in Perth. England desperately need more from their middle-order batter.
Ben Stokes - 5
Took an early wicket and bowled with heart. He is the last recognised batsman standing and holds the key to any remote chance of salvation on day four.
Jamie Smith - 3
Improved behind the stumps with a good catch but looked utterly out of his depth with the bat under pressure.
Will Jacks - 5
Under-bowled but took a fantastic catch to dismiss Steve Smith. His partnership with Stokes is now England's last hope.
Gus Atkinson - 5
Probably England's most consistent bowler over the three days, maintaining pressure with the new ball and claiming his first Ashes wicket.
Brydon Carse - 4
Took four wickets but was expensive, conceding 141 runs from 25 overs and struggling for consistent line and length.
Jofra Archer - 5
Showed promise with the bat but was not at his best with the ball. Will rue dropped catches on the second day that proved costly.
