Another bruising defeat as the Ashes slips away

ENGLAND face an almighty battle to salvage their Ashes campaign after slumping to yet another grisly defeat in the second Test at the Gabba.

- By RORY DOLLARD

They resumed on day four with hope all but extinguished after a feeble batting display the night before and were unable to do anything more than delay Australia’s eight-wicket march towards a 2-0 series lead.

For the 10th time in a row they were cut down to size in Australia’ Brisbane stronghold, where they last tasted victory almost four decades ago.

Resuming 43 behind and six down, captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Will Jacks banished the worst excesses of ‘Bazball’ as they dropped anchor for almost three hours.