Australia vs England, Ashes Third Test Day 2: England Reeling After Early Collapse as Snicko Controversy Steals Spotlight

The second day of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval was a roller coaster of high drama, quick wickets, and new controversies as the Australians furthered their advantage over the game. The home team getting bowled out for 371 runs, they immediately started to rock England’s top order, putting the visitors in deep trouble even though Harry Brook and Ben Stokes together made a little resistance for a while.

Australia's Total was 371

Australia started with a positive attitude but lost their last batters during the first session. Mitchell Starc was the major partner with a battling fifty, after which the English pace attack finished the innings at 371 in 91.2 overs.

The score gave the Australian team a powerful position, particularly on a pitch that was still providing the bowlers with bounce and movement.

England’s Top Order Crumbles Again

England’s reply began poorly as Australia’s bowlers struck at regular intervals:

• Zak Crawley edged Pat Cummins to Alex Carey
• Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett fell to Nathan Lyon’s guile
• Joe Root departed shortly before lunch, caught behind off Cummins

By the time lunch arrived, England were in deep trouble, trailing by 312 runs with four wickets already down.

Brook and Stokes Lead the Fightback

The post-lunch session saw England finally steady the ship through a determined partnership between Harry Brook and Ben Stokes. Brook looked increasingly assured, playing positively against both pace and spin, while Stokes provided support as the pair crossed the 50-run stand.

At 126 for 4, England showed signs of resistance, though they remain firmly under pressure.

Snicko Controversy Sparks Anger

The day’s biggest talking point came during Brook’s innings when Snicko appeared to show a spike as the ball passed the bat. The on-field decision went in Brook’s favour after review, with replays suggesting the noise came from the ball brushing the pad rather than the bat.

Earlier, England were left furious after a similar Snicko-related call went against Alex Carey, prompting the visitors to lodge a formal complaint with the match referee. The incident has reignited debate over the consistency and reliability of technology in close decisions.

Bowling Highlights for Australia

• Pat Cummins led from the front with key wickets
• Nathan Lyon posed constant threat with his accuracy and turn
• Mitchell Starc showed signs of reverse swing late in the session

Australia’s energy in the field, combined with relentless pressure, kept England from gaining full control despite the Brook–Stokes stand.

Match Situation at a Glance

Australia: 371 all out

England: 126/4 (36 overs)

Trail by: 245 runs

What’s Next?

The English cricket team will be relying heavily on Brook, Stokes, and the tail-enders to not let the match slip away from them in this Test. On the other hand, the Australian team will aim to get rid of the batsmen quickly at the start of the third day and go for a huge first-innings lead.

The third Ashes Test itself has all the makings of a highly controversial and therefore a very public match.