Starc's all-round show pushes Oz on brink of win over England in 2nd Ashes Test

Tailender Starc made 77 in a sparkling 141-ball knock to help Australia to a 177-run lead before working his magic with the pink ball as England staggered to 134 for six at stumps, still 43 runs short of making Australia bat again

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Mitchell Starc made a late-career bid for all-rounder status when he scored a half-century and grabbed two wickets under the Gabba floodlights to push Australia to the brink of victory at the close of day three of the second Ashes Test on Saturday.

Tailender Starc made 77 in a sparkling 141-ball knock to help Australia to a 177-run lead before working his magic with the pink ball as England staggered to 134 for six at stumps, still 43 runs short of making Australia bat again.

Ben Stokes and Will Jacks were both four not out, tasked with restoring a shred of dignity to an England side who were ineffective with the ball and foolhardy with the bat.

England have had many lows on Australian soil since their last test win in Sydney 15 years ago but day three at the Gabba may rival them for infamy.

They started the day with genuine hope of at least containing Australia, who had a 44-run lead with four wickets in hand.

They finished it demoralised, with Australia putting 511 on the board before scything through their batting order like a knife through warm butter.