Ashes hopes circling down drain after surrender

CRICKET

- BY RORY DOLLARD

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

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.