Wickets tumble as Australia build 268-run lead over England

0
1257

Australia wrestled with a seaming pink ball under the lights to build a 268-run lead with six wickets in hand over England in an engrossing second Ashes Test in Adelaide on Monday.

In testing batting conditions the Australians struggled against the moving ball in the final twilight session as England roared back after trailing by 215 runs in the first innings.

On a fast-moving third day, England were dismissed for 227 but the Australians found it difficult to score against the hooping ball under the lights.

At the close, Australia were 53 for four with Peter Handscomb on three and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon not out three.

The Australians lost the wickets of Cameron Bancroft (4) and Usman Khawaja (20) to James Anderson and a restrained David Warner (14) to Chris Woakes in the final session.

Skipper Steve Smith survived a desperately close leg before wicket review before he had scored off Anderson but was not so lucky when he missed out in another tight lbw review to Woakes for six.

Holders England were fighting to stay in the Test as Australia chased a potentially decisive 2-0 lead in the five-Test series after winning last week’s Brisbane opener by 10 wickets.

Lyon and Mitchell Starc brought off spectacular catches as Australia had England under pressure in the first two sessions Monday.

Off-spinner Lyon pulled off a blinding one-handed catch to dismiss Moeen Ali off his own bowling in the second over after the first break.