Eng’s Ashes hopes hanging by a thread

Australia lead series 2-0, need only a draw to retain urn

- REUTERS

Nearly four years of Ashes planning was left in smouldering ruins Thursday as England buckled under the heat and the pressure at Adelaide Oval to lurch towards a series-deciding defeat in the third test against Australia.

On a day when temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius (104F)and fresh controversy erupted over the "Snicko" review technology, England were 213 for eight at stumps on day two, still 158 runs short of Australia's first innings 371.

England captain Ben Stokes (45 not out) was battling cramp and Jofra Archer (30 not out) showed courage to keep the ninth wicket intact for 45 runs, but the duo's late resistance could do little to make up for failures higher up the order.

Leading 2-0 in the series, Australia need only draw the match to retain the urn they have held since 2017/18.