Ashes hopes circling down drain after surrender

England's Ashes hopes were circling the drain after another batting surrender on day two in Adelaide.

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Already 2-0 down after falling short in Perth and Brisbane, the tourists were found wanting for the third Test in a row as they capitulated in near-perfect batting conditions.

The pitch was benign, the outfield fast and the sun was beating down at more than 40 degrees ~ the kind of conditions bowling sides have nightmares about.

But it was England who wilted in response to Australia's score of 371, faltering to a timid 213 for eight.

Just as he did in a losing cause at the Gabba, captain Ben Stokes tried to inject some defiance as he blocked his way to 45 not out from 151 deliveries, but his deep defensive trench could only do so much.