Ashes: Australia Tightens Grip as England Faces Risk of Innings Defeat After Day Three

Australia closed Day Three of the second Ashes Test in a commanding position, leaving England staring at the possibility of an innings defeat in Brisbane. England ended the day at 134 for 6 in their second innings, still 43 runs away from forcing Australia to bat again.

Zak Crawley top-scored with 44, followed by Ollie Pope with 26, while Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook contributed 15 apiece. Jamie Smith managed only 4 before departing. Skipper Ben Stokes and Will Jacks remain unbeaten on 4 each, carrying England’s fading hopes into Day Four.

Earlier in the match, Australia’s first innings total of 511 secured a 177-run lead. Resuming at 378 for 6, the hosts added only five runs before Michael Neser fell for 16. Alex Carey posted a vital 63, while Mitchell Starc produced a career-best 77 to push the total past 500. Scott Boland finished unbeaten on 21.

England’s bowling effort was led by Brydon Carse with 4 wickets, while captain Ben Stokes claimed 3. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Will Jacks picked up a wicket each.

In England’s first innings, they were dismissed for 334, with Joe Root producing a magnificent, unbeaten 138. For Australia, Starc was the standout, claiming 6 wickets, as Neser, Brendan Doggett, and Boland grabbed one apiece.

This marks the first time since January 2018 that England has scored 300-plus runs in a Test innings in Australia, but despite that milestone, they now face an uphill battle to stay alive in the match.