Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Scott Bailey

Australia's bowlers leave England battling

Australia paceman Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets in the session to have England 6-197 at tea. (AAP)

Australia's bowlers have stamped their authority after ripping through England's middle order and leaving them teetering on the brink in the day-night second Ashes Test.

In a horror second session for England on day three in Adelaide, the tourists at one point lost 4-19 in 18 overs, going to tea at 6-197 in reply to Australia's 9(dec)-473.

Mitchell Starc (3-36) again maintained his imposing run with the pink ball, taking his tally of wickets to 49 in nine games by removing both Dawid Malan and Jos Buttler.

But it was Cameron Green who struck the killer blow, getting rid of captain Joe Root for the second time in two innings when he drew his edge on 62.

Starc then claimed Malan for 80 six overs later with both caught by Steve Smith at second slip and breaking England's back in the process.

The pair had offered the tourists' firmest resistance in their loss at the Gabba, and put on 138 for the third wicket at Adelaide Oval.

But once they went, England looked far more fragile.

England's Dawid Malan is 68 not out at dinner on day three of the second Test in Adelaide. (AAP)

Buttler also went edging to Starc shortly after, continuing a horror game for the wicketkeeper who dropped century-maker Marnus Labuschagne twice.

One of those came when Labuschagne was on just 21, before he went on to post 103.

Nathan Lyon was able to get in on the act when he had Ollie Pope in close for five, caught smartly by Labuschagne at bat pad.

Ben Stokes did well to fight through the session, facing 71 balls for his unbeaten 12, while Chris Woakes is with him not out on 23.

Australia could still enforce the follow on if England do not reach 273, but there is every chance the hosts would like to bat again and give their bowlers a rest.

The Test does however appear to be going the way of the same fixture four years ago, which saw Australia claim a 215-run first-innings lead before winning by 120.

Australia still remain undefeated in pink-ball Tests given their penchant to control the game.

But a loss for England in Adelaide would be devastating, leaving them 2-0 down in the series and needing to win all three remaining Tests to regain the Ashes.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.