Day two report
Thanks for following along as England’s fading Ashes hopes survive another day – just – at Adelaide Oval. We’ll have all the analysis shortly, and be back with the over-by-over tomorrow, but for now … here is Ali Martin’s report on day two.
Nathan Lyon has returned to the side in style in Adelaide, as he picked up two wickets with his first over to help turn the game back in Australia’s favour early in England’s innings. The off-spinner dismissed Ollie Pope (3) and Ben Duckett (29) in the same over to move past Glenn McGrath and into second-place on the list of Australia Test wicket-takers, while the cartel of quicks did their thing even with Mitchell Starc less threatening than he has been in these Ashes.
Pat Cummins was another to send a reminder of his importance to the side after spending time on the sidelines as the captain claimed wickets at crucial times and finished the day with 3 for 54. Cummins dismissed Zak Crawley (9) and Joe Root (19) early, but it is his later wicket of Jamie Smith (22) that will remain the talking point as another contentious Snicko call went in favour of the Australians. Smith had survived a close call when Usman Khawaja reached low for a catch in slips, but the England keeper-batter was sent on his way when Snicko showed a spike as the ball flew past the toe of his bat shortly after.
Lyon is his usual understated self while speaking with Fox Sports.
It has been a pretty tough day. It’s nice and hot out there, but nice to contribute and finally get into the series.
There is no secret to what I do. It’s just about doing the basics for a long period of time and hopefully creating a bit of pressure.
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