Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has slammed England for their disappointing show in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. England have suffered three back-to-back defeats in the first three matches of to go down 3-0 and concede the five-match series. England lost the third Test against the Aussies by an innings and 14 runs on Tuesday (December 28).

Australian bowlers ran riot against Root &amp; Co. in their second innings of the third Test - a Boxing Day affair at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne. England were bundled out for a paltry 68 to suffer a crushing defeat by an innings as they lost their 12th consecutive Test match at the MCG.

Reacting to England's horror run in the ongoing Ashes, Ponting labelled Root &amp; Co. the worst team to have ever played Down Under. Ponting pointed out how Australia used to struggle in a similar fashion in England a few years back but managed to spark a turnaround by adapting to the English conditions by bringing a change.

"I don't think I've seen a worse-performing team in Australia than what I've seen over the last three games. We've been through this in Australia. You wind the clock back a few years ago when we had our struggles in England, we changed conditions, we changed the ball, we changed everything because we were poor in those conditions. England might need to have a look at how they can make their conditions more suitable to ours," Ponting told cricket.com.au.

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The England batters have failed to perform consistently in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. Barring skipper Root, none of the England batsmen have so far managed to showcase some fight against the Aussie bowlers. Ponting believes some of England's top-order batters from the ongoing tour and the past few tours have not had the technique to last in Test cricket while playing in difficult conditions.

"Some of the English top-order batters that I've seen in the last couple of tours, without giving names, there's some techniques there that I just know are not going to stand up at Test level. In challenging conditions and world-class bowlers up against sub-standard techniques, then you get what happened today at the MCG. The little swing dibbly-dobblers that are getting them out over there, they're not facing that at Test level," Ponting said.

England will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways in the fourth Test against Australia which gets underway from Wednesday (January 05) in Sydney. There are two games remaining in the Ashes 2021-22 and England will be hopeful of ending the series on a high with a win.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has slammed England for their disappointing show in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. England have suffered three back-to-back defeats in the first three matches of to go down 3-0 and concede the five-match series.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has slammed England for their disappointing show in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. England have suffered three back-to-back defeats in the first three matches of to go down 3-0 and concede the five-match series. England lost the third Test against the Aussies by an innings and 14 runs on Tuesday (December 28). Australian bowlers ran riot against Root & Co. in their second innings of the third Test - a Boxing Day affair at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne. England were bundled out for a paltry 68 to suffer a crushing defeat by an innings as they lost their 12th consecutive Test match at the MCG. Reacting to England's horror run in the ongoing Ashes, Ponting labelled Root & Co. the worst team to have ever played Down Under. Ponting pointed out how Australia used to struggle in a similar fashion in England a few years back but managed to spark a turnaround by adapting to the English conditions by bringing a change. "I don't think I've seen a worse-performing team in Australia than what I've seen over the last three games. We've been through this in Australia. You wind the clock back a few years ago when we had our struggles in England, we changed conditions, we changed the ball, we changed everything because we were poor in those conditions. England might need to have a look at how they can make their conditions more suitable to ours," Ponting told cricket.com.au. Also Read: 'We still haven't beaten India in India': David Warner sets ambitious goal before retirement The England batters have failed to perform consistently in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. Barring skipper Root, none of the England batsmen have so far managed to showcase some fight against the Aussie bowlers. Ponting believes some of England's top-order batters from the ongoing tour and the past few tours have not had the technique to last in Test cricket while playing in difficult conditions. "Some of the English top-order batters that I've seen in the last couple of tours, without giving names, there's some techniques there that I just know are not going to stand up at Test level. In challenging conditions and world-class bowlers up against sub-standard techniques, then you get what happened today at the MCG. The little swing dibbly-dobblers that are getting them out over there, they're not facing that at Test level," Ponting said. England will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways in the fourth Test against Australia which gets underway from Wednesday (January 05) in Sydney. There are two games remaining in the Ashes 2021-22 and England will be hopeful of ending the series on a high with a win.

'I don't think I've seen a worse-performing team in Australia': Ricky Ponting slams Joe Root-led England

Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has slammed captain Joe Root after the team's disappointing show against Australia in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. England have already conceded the five-match series 3-0 with back-to-back defeats in the first three matches. It has been a meek surrender from the visitors, who have been thoroughly outplayed by hosts Australia.

England lost the third Test against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on Tuesday after getting bundled out for a paltry 68 in their second innings. Australia won the game by an innings and 14 runs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and have managed to retain the prestigious urn.

Several former England cricketers and experts have called for Root's sacking as captain after the team's debacle in the Ashes. Boycott lashed out at the England skipper and asked him to stop saying that Australia are not much better than England in Test cricket at present.

"Now Australia are 3-0 up and the Ashes have gone, will Root please stop saying Australia are not much better than us? I don't mind him living in cuckoo land but stop trying to kid us," Boycott wrote in his column in The Telegraph.

The former England batter believes Root should step down as England's Test captain if he actually believes that his team are not much behind Australia despite their horror show in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. Boycott called England's bowling ordinary and said the batsmen can't bat in the ongoing Ashes.

"If he really believes what he says then maybe it is time he gave up the captaincy of the England cricket team. The facts are staring us all in the face, except Joe doesn't want to see it. England can't bat. Our bowling is ordinary," wrote Boycott.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-planning-thoughts-and-structures-have-been-wrong-ponting-slams-england-for-horror-show-in-ashes-2021-440709">All planning, thoughts and structures have been wrong: Ponting slams England for horror show in Ashes</a>

England have already lost Ashes 2021-22 with three straight losses but have a couple of games in hand to stage a fightback and sign off on a high. The visitors will be hopeful of bouncing back strongly in the next two games and avoid a clean sweep against Australia.

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Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has slammed captain Joe Root after the team's disappointing show against Australia in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. England have already conceded the five-match series 3-0 with back-to-back defeats in the first three matches.

Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has slammed captain Joe Root after the team's disappointing show against Australia in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. England have already conceded the five-match series 3-0 with back-to-back defeats in the first three matches. It has been a meek surrender from the visitors, who have been thoroughly outplayed by hosts Australia. England lost the third Test against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on Tuesday after getting bundled out for a paltry 68 in their second innings. Australia won the game by an innings and 14 runs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and have managed to retain the prestigious urn. Several former England cricketers and experts have called for Root's sacking as captain after the team's debacle in the Ashes. Boycott lashed out at the England skipper and asked him to stop saying that Australia are not much better than England in Test cricket at present. "Now Australia are 3-0 up and the Ashes have gone, will Root please stop saying Australia are not much better than us? I don't mind him living in cuckoo land but stop trying to kid us," Boycott wrote in his column in The Telegraph. The former England batter believes Root should step down as England's Test captain if he actually believes that his team are not much behind Australia despite their horror show in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. Boycott called England's bowling ordinary and said the batsmen can't bat in the ongoing Ashes. "If he really believes what he says then maybe it is time he gave up the captaincy of the England cricket team. The facts are staring us all in the face, except Joe doesn't want to see it. England can't bat. Our bowling is ordinary," wrote Boycott. Also Read: All planning, thoughts and structures have been wrong: Ponting slams England for horror show in Ashes England have already lost Ashes 2021-22 with three straight losses but have a couple of games in hand to stage a fightback and sign off on a high. The visitors will be hopeful of bouncing back strongly in the next two games and avoid a clean sweep against Australia.

'Will Root please stop saying Australia are not much better': Boycott calls for England captain's sacking

Australia mauled England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021 to clinch the five-match series with three back-to-back wins and retain the prestigious urn. Debutant Scott Boland bowled his heart out and picked up a memorable six wicket-haul as he ran through the hapless English batting line-up in their second innings on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test on Tuesday.

England, who were bundled out for a paltry 185 runs in their first innings of the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) suffered yet another terrible batting collapse in their second innings. The visitors were folded for just 68 runs in their second innings as they failed to overhaul Australia's 83-run lead and conceded the game within three days.

England captain Joe Root top-scored for the visitors with 28 runs off 59 balls. He was the lone warrior once again as none of the other batters managed to put on a fight against the Australian pacers, who dominated the proceedings. Boland was the pick of the bowlers for the Aussies as the fast bowler sone on debut.

The defeat is a much-needed reality check for England, who have been left exposed in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 as the Test series has looked fairly one-sided with the hosts dominating the proceedings so far. England captain Root said he was absolutely gutted with the innings defeat and admitted his side were blown away by the Aussies.

"It is what it is. We have come to dealing with this sort of environment for a while now. Credit to Australia, they blew us away last night, and they have outplayed us in this Test match, in fact, the series so far. We have a lot of hard work to do now and come back strong in the last two games. Covid threat wasn't ideal. The way we went about our cricket, especially our bowling was excellent yesterday," said Root post his side's defeat.

England bowlers had done well during Australia's first innings to ensure the hosts didn't manage to get to a big total. Senior pacer James Anderson picked up a four-wicket haul while Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson scalped two wickets apiece to give England a chance to fight back in the game.

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However, the batters let the visitors down once again with a shambolic show in the second innings. Root admitted England have a lot of work to do in order to turn around their fortunes in the Ashes 2021-22. The England skipper said his side will look to wrap up the series with a couple of wins in their remaining matches.

"Credit to the boys for managing it and giving ourselves a chance in this game. We just have got to do things for longer. There have been pockets, but that's just not enough. We know where we need to work and we have to stay very strong and make sure we look at the next two games as a real opportunity to take something away from this tour," said Root.

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Australia mauled England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021 to clinch the five-match series with three back-to-back wins and retain the prestigious urn.

Australia mauled England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021 to clinch the five-match series with three back-to-back wins and retain the prestigious urn. Debutant Scott Boland bowled his heart out and picked up a memorable six wicket-haul as he ran through the hapless English batting line-up in their second innings on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test on Tuesday. England, who were bundled out for a paltry 185 runs in their first innings of the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) suffered yet another terrible batting collapse in their second innings. The visitors were folded for just 68 runs in their second innings as they failed to overhaul Australia's 83-run lead and conceded the game within three days. England captain Joe Root top-scored for the visitors with 28 runs off 59 balls. He was the lone warrior once again as none of the other batters managed to put on a fight against the Australian pacers, who dominated the proceedings. Boland was the pick of the bowlers for the Aussies as the fast bowler sone on debut. The defeat is a much-needed reality check for England, who have been left exposed in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 as the Test series has looked fairly one-sided with the hosts dominating the proceedings so far. England captain Root said he was absolutely gutted with the innings defeat and admitted his side were blown away by the Aussies. "It is what it is. We have come to dealing with this sort of environment for a while now. Credit to Australia, they blew us away last night, and they have outplayed us in this Test match, in fact, the series so far. We have a lot of hard work to do now and come back strong in the last two games. Covid threat wasn't ideal. The way we went about our cricket, especially our bowling was excellent yesterday," said Root post his side's defeat. England bowlers had done well during Australia's first innings to ensure the hosts didn't manage to get to a big total. Senior pacer James Anderson picked up a four-wicket haul while Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson scalped two wickets apiece to give England a chance to fight back in the game. Also Read: Ashes 2021-22: Australia thrash England by innings and 14 runs in third Test to retain the urn However, the batters let the visitors down once again with a shambolic show in the second innings. Root admitted England have a lot of work to do in order to turn around their fortunes in the Ashes 2021-22. The England skipper said his side will look to wrap up the series with a couple of wins in their remaining matches. "Credit to the boys for managing it and giving ourselves a chance in this game. We just have got to do things for longer. There have been pockets, but that's just not enough. We know where we need to work and we have to stay very strong and make sure we look at the next two games as a real opportunity to take something away from this tour," said Root.

'Australia blew us away': Joe Root absolutely gutted as Aussies dismantle England in 3rd Ashes Test

Australia retained the Ashes with a thumping innings and 14-run win in the third test in Melbourne on Tuesday, with debutant paceman Scott Boland laying waste to England`s hapless batsmen with a devastating six-wicket haul.

Boland, only the second Indigenous Australian to play a men`s test match, came off the Melbourne Cricket Ground turf with a prize stump and astonishing innings figures of 6-7 as England capitulated for 68 before lunch on day three, their 13th lowest total in tests.

"I thought we had a pretty good chance of winning but I had no idea we would do it before lunch," said 32-year-old Boland, who won the Johnny Mullagh medal as player of the match.

"Obviously I thought (debuting) was going to be really tough, a big step up from anything else I`d played before. I was hoping to make a bit of an impact."

Australia sealed the series 3-0 in front of a festive `Boxing Day` test crowd of 42,000, leaving England playing for pride in the final two tests in Sydney and Brisbane.

With Australia having won by 275 runs in Adelaide and nine wickets in the Brisbane opener, home captain Pat Cummins was left pinching himself as Boland and Mitchell Starc (3-29) wrapped up the series within 90 minutes on a glorious morning in Melbourne.

"Just an awesome few weeks, so proud of the group here and just everything`s clicked," said Cummins, who has led his side with aplomb as a late replacement for Tim Paine.

"So happy for Scottie in front of his home crowd today, just an amazing feeling."

England captain Joe Root was left devastated. He has now lost seven of eight tests as captain in Australia after failing to wrest back the urn on home soil in 2019.

His top score of 28 in England`s second innings spoke volumes of the team`s batting inadequacies, and he was in no mood to discuss the future of his captaincy.

"I think they`ve definitely outplayed us in the three games," Root said.

"We`ve not been good enough.

"For what is quite a young batting group, they`re having to learn here in the harshest environment.

"We have to try and make sure we come away from this tour with a couple of wins."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whole-england-set-up-is-under-pressure-vaughan-slams-root-co-after-dismal-show-in-3rd-ashes-test-440128">'Whole England set-up is under pressure': Vaughan slams Root &amp; Co. after dismal show in 3rd Ashes Test</a>

Skittled for 185 in the first innings, England had resumed on 31 for four in their second on Tuesday, needing another 51 runs to make Australia bat again. Their faint hopes were pinned on Root and Ben Stokes building a partnership after another calamitous collapse late on day two.

But it all went up in smoke as Starc bowled Stokes for 11 and Boland fired up for a fairytale four-over spell. 
The Victoria paceman had Jonny Bairstow lbw for five, Root edge to the slips and removed Mark Wood for a caught-and-bowled duck, sending his home MCG crowd into delirium.

Two balls after Wood`s wicket, Boland had his sixth victim when Ollie Robinson also went for a duck by hitting straight to Marnus Labuschagne.

All-rounder Cameron Green sealed England`s humiliation by bowling James Anderson for two before the stroke of midday, leaving ticket-holders short-changed, if mostly thrilled.

Australia have claimed both the Ashes and the T20 World Cup title in a golden six weeks, bouncing back from the 2-1 test series defeat to an under-strength India over the last home summer.

They will head into the final matches of the series hopeful of sweeping the Ashes for the first time since 2013/14. 
"We probably haven`t strung (together) the performances over the last couple of years that we expected of ourselves," said Cummins.

"So I think this really consolidates that we are a really good, strong test cricket side.

"I think it`s a good sign for the next few years."

Australia retained the Ashes with a thumping innings and 14-run win in the third test in Melbourne on Tuesday, with debutant paceman Scott Boland laying waste to England`s hapless batsmen with a devastating six-wicket haul.

Australia retained the Ashes with a thumping innings and 14-run win in the third test in Melbourne on Tuesday, with debutant paceman Scott Boland laying waste to England`s hapless batsmen with a devastating six-wicket haul. Boland, only the second Indigenous Australian to play a men`s test match, came off the Melbourne Cricket Ground turf with a prize stump and astonishing innings figures of 6-7 as England capitulated for 68 before lunch on day three, their 13th lowest total in tests. "I thought we had a pretty good chance of winning but I had no idea we would do it before lunch," said 32-year-old Boland, who won the Johnny Mullagh medal as player of the match. "Obviously I thought (debuting) was going to be really tough, a big step up from anything else I`d played before. I was hoping to make a bit of an impact." Australia sealed the series 3-0 in front of a festive `Boxing Day` test crowd of 42,000, leaving England playing for pride in the final two tests in Sydney and Brisbane. With Australia having won by 275 runs in Adelaide and nine wickets in the Brisbane opener, home captain Pat Cummins was left pinching himself as Boland and Mitchell Starc (3-29) wrapped up the series within 90 minutes on a glorious morning in Melbourne. "Just an awesome few weeks, so proud of the group here and just everything`s clicked," said Cummins, who has led his side with aplomb as a late replacement for Tim Paine. "So happy for Scottie in front of his home crowd today, just an amazing feeling." England captain Joe Root was left devastated. He has now lost seven of eight tests as captain in Australia after failing to wrest back the urn on home soil in 2019. His top score of 28 in England`s second innings spoke volumes of the team`s batting inadequacies, and he was in no mood to discuss the future of his captaincy. "I think they`ve definitely outplayed us in the three games," Root said. "We`ve not been good enough. "For what is quite a young batting group, they`re having to learn here in the harshest environment. "We have to try and make sure we come away from this tour with a couple of wins." Also Read: 'Whole England set-up is under pressure': Vaughan slams Root & Co. after dismal show in 3rd Ashes Test Skittled for 185 in the first innings, England had resumed on 31 for four in their second on Tuesday, needing another 51 runs to make Australia bat again. Their faint hopes were pinned on Root and Ben Stokes building a partnership after another calamitous collapse late on day two. But it all went up in smoke as Starc bowled Stokes for 11 and Boland fired up for a fairytale four-over spell. The Victoria paceman had Jonny Bairstow lbw for five, Root edge to the slips and removed Mark Wood for a caught-and-bowled duck, sending his home MCG crowd into delirium. Two balls after Wood`s wicket, Boland had his sixth victim when Ollie Robinson also went for a duck by hitting straight to Marnus Labuschagne. All-rounder Cameron Green sealed England`s humiliation by bowling James Anderson for two before the stroke of midday, leaving ticket-holders short-changed, if mostly thrilled. Australia have claimed both the Ashes and the T20 World Cup title in a golden six weeks, bouncing back from the 2-1 test series defeat to an under-strength India over the last home summer. They will head into the final matches of the series hopeful of sweeping the Ashes for the first time since 2013/14. "We probably haven`t strung (together) the performances over the last couple of years that we expected of ourselves," said Cummins. "So I think this really consolidates that we are a really good, strong test cricket side. "I think it`s a good sign for the next few years."

Ashes 2021-22: Australia thrash England by innings and 14 runs in third Test to retain the urn

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has slammed Joe Root-led England after the visitors succumbed to an innings defeat in the third Ashes Test on Tuesday (December 28). Having lost the first two Tests by a convincing margin, Root &amp; Co. surrendered meekly in the third encounter as well to have conceded the urn to Pat Cummins-led Australia without posing any threat.

Talking about the Boxing Day Test, Australia opted to bowl first and bundled out England for 185 in the first innings. In reply, Australia managed a moderate 267 as they 82-run lead proved to be more than enough with the visitors folding for 68 in their second essay. While only Captain Root managed a fifty in the first innings, more humiliation followed for England as only two batters crossed the double-figure mark in their second outing with the bat.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-icc-world-test-championship-points-table-after-australia-beat-england-in-3rd-ashes-test-440633">Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat England in 3rd Ashes Test</a>

Hence, Ponting has come hard at Root-led England following their no-show in the third Test. "They've out-thought themselves with their selections for Brisbane, looking forward to Adelaide and then looking forward to the MCG," Ponting told Channel Seven.&nbsp; "Pick your best team from the start and then see how far that group can take you. The fact that Anderson and Broad didn't play in Brisbane is staggering,” he added.

"The fact that Joe Root didn't bowl first in Brisbane was staggering. The fact that Mark Wood didn't play in Adelaide was staggering. He looked like one of the most likely bowlers up in Brisbane," former Oz captain rightly pointed out.

"All their planning, their thoughts and their structures have just been completely wrong, and it's come back to bite them. There's no good looking forward from Brisbane if you're going to be one or two-nil down. And that's what it was: they planned for Melbourne already being two-nil down, they've come here and been pantsed again. So, they've got some really, really deep thinking to do," Ponting concluded.

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After the thrashing received at MCG, Root told the broadcasters, "It is what it is. We have come to dealing with this sort of an environment for a while now. Credit to Australia, they blew us away last night, and they have outplayed us in this Test match, in fact the series so far. We have a lot of hard work to do now and come back strong in the last two games. Covid threat wasn't ideal. The way we went about our cricket, especially our bowling was excellent yesterday. Credit to the boys for managing it and giving ourselves a chance in this game. We just have got to do things for longer. There have been pockets, but that's just not enough. We know where we need to work and we have to stay very strong and make sure we look at the next two games as a real opportunity to take something away from this tour."

The fourth and penultimate Test will now start on January 5 at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG.

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has slammed Joe Root-led England after the visitors succumbed to an innings defeat in the third Ashes Test on Tuesday (December 28).

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has slammed Joe Root-led England after the visitors succumbed to an innings defeat in the third Ashes Test on Tuesday (December 28). Having lost the first two Tests by a convincing margin, Root & Co. surrendered meekly in the third encounter as well to have conceded the urn to Pat Cummins-led Australia without posing any threat. Talking about the Boxing Day Test, Australia opted to bowl first and bundled out England for 185 in the first innings. In reply, Australia managed a moderate 267 as they 82-run lead proved to be more than enough with the visitors folding for 68 in their second essay. While only Captain Root managed a fifty in the first innings, more humiliation followed for England as only two batters crossed the double-figure mark in their second outing with the bat. ALSO READ | Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat England in 3rd Ashes Test Hence, Ponting has come hard at Root-led England following their no-show in the third Test. "They've out-thought themselves with their selections for Brisbane, looking forward to Adelaide and then looking forward to the MCG," Ponting told Channel Seven. "Pick your best team from the start and then see how far that group can take you. The fact that Anderson and Broad didn't play in Brisbane is staggering,” he added. "The fact that Joe Root didn't bowl first in Brisbane was staggering. The fact that Mark Wood didn't play in Adelaide was staggering. He looked like one of the most likely bowlers up in Brisbane," former Oz captain rightly pointed out. "All their planning, their thoughts and their structures have just been completely wrong, and it's come back to bite them. There's no good looking forward from Brisbane if you're going to be one or two-nil down. And that's what it was: they planned for Melbourne already being two-nil down, they've come here and been pantsed again. So, they've got some really, really deep thinking to do," Ponting concluded. ALSO READ | Vaughan reacts after Wasim Jaffer hilariously trolls Englishman amid Joe Root & Co.'s Ashes horrors After the thrashing received at MCG, Root told the broadcasters, "It is what it is. We have come to dealing with this sort of an environment for a while now. Credit to Australia, they blew us away last night, and they have outplayed us in this Test match, in fact the series so far. We have a lot of hard work to do now and come back strong in the last two games. Covid threat wasn't ideal. The way we went about our cricket, especially our bowling was excellent yesterday. Credit to the boys for managing it and giving ourselves a chance in this game. We just have got to do things for longer. There have been pockets, but that's just not enough. We know where we need to work and we have to stay very strong and make sure we look at the next two games as a real opportunity to take something away from this tour." The fourth and penultimate Test will now start on January 5 at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG.

All planning, thoughts and structures have been wrong: Ponting slams England for horror show in Ashes 2021

Australia thrashed England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 to go 3-0 up in the five-match series and retain the prestigious urn. After back-to-back wins in the first two Tests, it was yet another dominant performance from the Aussies, who took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Ashes.

England's hapless batting line-up suffered yet another terrible collapse on Day 3 of the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne as the visitors were bundled out for a paltry 68. Captain Joe Root was once again the lone fighter for England as he top-scored with 28 off 59 balls.

Scott Boland was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as the pacer ran riot with the ball in his debut game. The fast bowler picked up an impressive six-wicket haul during England's second innings to run through the visitors' batting line-up and inspire Australia to a convincing win.

With the win, Pat Cummins-led Australia have moved to the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 points table. Australia have 36 points from three wins in three matches so far. The Aussies have a win percentage of 100 and have overtaken Sri Lanka to take the top spot on the points table.

Meanwhile, England continue to remain at the seventh position on the WTC points table with just one win and five losses from six matches. England currently only have six points and a win percentage of 7.14 in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

Check out the updated WTC points table:

<img alt="WTC table" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc1c2e25-b1f5-420c-b18a-bdcfe4496f0c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20table.png" />

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wasim-jaffer-brutally-trolls-michael-vaughan-for-92-all-out-india-tweet-as-australia-hammer-england-in-ashes-440589">Wasim Jaffer brutally trolls Michael Vaughan for '92 all out India' tweet as Australia hammer England in Ashes</a>

England have lost the Ashes 2021-22 with three straight defeats in the first three games but will be hoping to bounce back and finish the series on a high. With two more Test matches remaining in the series, England will be aiming to avoid a clean sweep against the Aussies.

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Australia thrashed England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 to go 3-0 up in the five-match series and retain the prestigious urn.

Australia thrashed England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 to go 3-0 up in the five-match series and retain the prestigious urn. After back-to-back wins in the first two Tests, it was yet another dominant performance from the Aussies, who took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Ashes. England's hapless batting line-up suffered yet another terrible collapse on Day 3 of the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne as the visitors were bundled out for a paltry 68. Captain Joe Root was once again the lone fighter for England as he top-scored with 28 off 59 balls. Scott Boland was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as the pacer ran riot with the ball in his debut game. The fast bowler picked up an impressive six-wicket haul during England's second innings to run through the visitors' batting line-up and inspire Australia to a convincing win. With the win, Pat Cummins-led Australia have moved to the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 points table. Australia have 36 points from three wins in three matches so far. The Aussies have a win percentage of 100 and have overtaken Sri Lanka to take the top spot on the points table. Meanwhile, England continue to remain at the seventh position on the WTC points table with just one win and five losses from six matches. England currently only have six points and a win percentage of 7.14 in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Check out the updated WTC points table: Also Read: Wasim Jaffer brutally trolls Michael Vaughan for '92 all out India' tweet as Australia hammer England in Ashes England have lost the Ashes 2021-22 with three straight defeats in the first three games but will be hoping to bounce back and finish the series on a high. With two more Test matches remaining in the series, England will be aiming to avoid a clean sweep against the Aussies.

Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat England in 3rd Ashes Test

Joe Root-led England cricket team have conceded the urn to Australia after losing the third Ashes Test, at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), by a whopping margin of an innings and 14 runs on Tuesday (December 28). After losing the first two Tests, by 9 wickets and 275 runs respectively, England slumped further as they were thrashed in the Boxing Day Test to lose the contest in the third day's morning session.

After losing the toss, Root-led England succumbed to 185 all-out in the first essay as Aussie skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon's three-fers dented the visitors' innings. In reply, England rode on James Anderson's 4-fer as Aussies folded for 267, however, the visiting side were all-out for a paltry 68 in the second essay to lose by an innings and 14 runs on Day 3 of the MCG Test.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/sports/wasim-jaffer-brutally-trolls-michael-vaughan-for-92-all-out-india-tweet-as-australia-hammer-england-in-ashes-440589">Wasim Jaffer brutally trolls Michael Vaughan for '92 all out India' tweet as Australia hammer England in Ashes</a>

After the MCG encounter folded inside three days, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer hilariously trolled England's ex-skipper Michael Vaughan, who had slammed Team India after they had folded for 92 in a Hamilton ODI versus New Zealand in early 2019. To this, Vaughan has also responded to Jaffer's hilarious post after his national side were dismissed in a flash in their second innings of the third Ashes Test. Here's his reply:

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Very good Wasim <a href="https://t.co/OemxRrG2IF">https://t.co/OemxRrG2IF</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1475701052208922625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-blew-us-away-joe-root-absolutely-gutted-as-aussies-dismantle-england-in-3rd-ashes-test-440583">'Australia blew us away': Joe Root absolutely gutted as Aussies dismantle England in 3rd Ashes Test</a>

After the humiliation at the MCG, Root told the broadcasters at the post-match presentation, "It is what it is. We have come to dealing with this sort of an environment for a while now. Credit to Australia, they blew us away last night, and they have outplayed us in this Test match, in fact the series so far. We have a lot of hard work to do now and come back strong in the last two games. Covid threat wasn't ideal. The way we went about our cricket, especially our bowling was excellent yesterday. Credit to the boys for managing it and giving ourselves a chance in this game. We just have got to do things for longer. There have been pockets, but that's just not enough. We know where we need to work and we have to stay very strong and make sure we look at the next two games as a real opportunity to take something away from this tour."

The fourth and penultimate Ashes Test will commence on January 5 at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG.

Joe Root-led England cricket team have conceded the urn to Australia after losing the third Ashes Test, at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), by a whopping margin of an innings and 14 runs on Tuesday (December 28).

Joe Root-led England cricket team have conceded the urn to Australia after losing the third Ashes Test, at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), by a whopping margin of an innings and 14 runs on Tuesday (December 28). After losing the first two Tests, by 9 wickets and 275 runs respectively, England slumped further as they were thrashed in the Boxing Day Test to lose the contest in the third day's morning session. After losing the toss, Root-led England succumbed to 185 all-out in the first essay as Aussie skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon's three-fers dented the visitors' innings. In reply, England rode on James Anderson's 4-fer as Aussies folded for 267, however, the visiting side were all-out for a paltry 68 in the second essay to lose by an innings and 14 runs on Day 3 of the MCG Test. ALSO READ | Wasim Jaffer brutally trolls Michael Vaughan for '92 all out India' tweet as Australia hammer England in Ashes After the MCG encounter folded inside three days, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer hilariously trolled England's ex-skipper Michael Vaughan, who had slammed Team India after they had folded for 92 in a Hamilton ODI versus New Zealand in early 2019. To this, Vaughan has also responded to Jaffer's hilarious post after his national side were dismissed in a flash in their second innings of the third Ashes Test. Here's his reply: Very good Wasim https://t.co/OemxRrG2IF — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 28, 2021 × ALSO READ | 'Australia blew us away': Joe Root absolutely gutted as Aussies dismantle England in 3rd Ashes Test After the humiliation at the MCG, Root told the broadcasters at the post-match presentation, "It is what it is. We have come to dealing with this sort of an environment for a while now. Credit to Australia, they blew us away last night, and they have outplayed us in this Test match, in fact the series so far. We have a lot of hard work to do now and come back strong in the last two games. Covid threat wasn't ideal. The way we went about our cricket, especially our bowling was excellent yesterday. Credit to the boys for managing it and giving ourselves a chance in this game. We just have got to do things for longer. There have been pockets, but that's just not enough. We know where we need to work and we have to stay very strong and make sure we look at the next two games as a real opportunity to take something away from this tour." The fourth and penultimate Ashes Test will commence on January 5 at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG.

Vaughan reacts after Wasim Jaffer hilariously trolls Englishman amid Joe Root & Co.'s Ashes horrors

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer is famously known as the 'meme king' on Twitter for his hilarious tweets and memes on the latest happenings in cricket. Jaffer often manages to tickle the funny bones of cricket fans with his witty and funny takes on the game.

Jaffer also doesn't shy away from enjoying some fun banter with others and has enjoyed a great rivalry with former England captain Michael Vaughan on social media. While the two came up against each other on a few occasions while playing for their respective countries, Vaughan and Jaffer have kept the rivalry alive off the field.

On Tuesday, Jaffer took a dig at Vaughan and trolled him brutally for one of his old tweets mocking the Indian cricket team after Australia crushed England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. Australia bundled out England for a paltry 68 runs in their second innings to wrap up a thumping win inside just three days.

Jaffer didn't miss out on the opportunity to take a dig at Vaughan after England's loss as he took to Twitter to share a video of himself checking out an old tweet from Vaughan which read - "92 all out India ... Can’t believe any team would get bowled out for under a 100 these days !!!!!!".

Vaughan had tweeted this back in 2019 after India had been bundled out for 89 runs in an ODI against New Zealand.

Check out Wasim Jaffer's tweet:

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England 68 all out <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MichaelVaughan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/lctSBLOsZK">pic.twitter.com/lctSBLOsZK</a>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1475697988353728512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-blew-us-away-joe-root-absolutely-gutted-as-aussies-dismantle-england-in-3rd-ashes-test-440583">'Australia blew us away': Joe Root absolutely gutted as Aussies dismantle England in 3rd Ashes Test</a>

It was yet another disappointing show from the England batters as the visitors suffered another terrible collapse in their second innings. Skipper Joe Root top-scored with 28 off 59 balls while only two batters managed to get into double figures.&nbsp;

Debutant pacer Scott Boland impressed for Australia as he picked up a six-wicket haul during England's second innings to run through the visitors' batting line-up and power the hosts to a convincing win. Australia have clinched Ashes 2021-22 and retained the urn with three back-to-back wins in the five-match series.

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Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer is famously known as the 'meme king' on Twitter for his hilarious tweets and memes on the latest happenings in cricket. Jaffer often manages to tickle the funny bones of cricket fans with his witty and funny takes on the game.

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer is famously known as the 'meme king' on Twitter for his hilarious tweets and memes on the latest happenings in cricket. Jaffer often manages to tickle the funny bones of cricket fans with his witty and funny takes on the game. Jaffer also doesn't shy away from enjoying some fun banter with others and has enjoyed a great rivalry with former England captain Michael Vaughan on social media. While the two came up against each other on a few occasions while playing for their respective countries, Vaughan and Jaffer have kept the rivalry alive off the field. On Tuesday, Jaffer took a dig at Vaughan and trolled him brutally for one of his old tweets mocking the Indian cricket team after Australia crushed England by an innings and 14 runs in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. Australia bundled out England for a paltry 68 runs in their second innings to wrap up a thumping win inside just three days. Jaffer didn't miss out on the opportunity to take a dig at Vaughan after England's loss as he took to Twitter to share a video of himself checking out an old tweet from Vaughan which read - "92 all out India ... Can’t believe any team would get bowled out for under a 100 these days !!!!!!". Vaughan had tweeted this back in 2019 after India had been bundled out for 89 runs in an ODI against New Zealand. Check out Wasim Jaffer's tweet: England 68 all out @MichaelVaughan #Ashes pic.twitter.com/lctSBLOsZK — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 28, 2021 × Also Read: 'Australia blew us away': Joe Root absolutely gutted as Aussies dismantle England in 3rd Ashes Test It was yet another disappointing show from the England batters as the visitors suffered another terrible collapse in their second innings. Skipper Joe Root top-scored with 28 off 59 balls while only two batters managed to get into double figures. Debutant pacer Scott Boland impressed for Australia as he picked up a six-wicket haul during England's second innings to run through the visitors' batting line-up and power the hosts to a convincing win. Australia have clinched Ashes 2021-22 and retained the urn with three back-to-back wins in the five-match series.

Wasim Jaffer brutally trolls Michael Vaughan for '92 all out India' tweet as Australia hammer England in Ashes

Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley moved to allay fears Monday over the remainder of the Ashes series after England were rocked by a Covid scare, but admitted it was a "day-by-day proposition".

Four members of the England camp -- two support staff and two family members -- tested positive for coronavirus just hours before the start of day two in the third Test in&nbsp;Melbourne.

The team and management were required to undergo urgent rapid antigen tests as they were about to leave their hotel for the&nbsp;Melbourne&nbsp;Cricket Ground.

They were given the all-clear barely 45 minutes before play was due to begin.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-move-closer-to-ashes-triumph-as-england-collapse-again-in-boxing-day-test-440330">Australia move closer to Ashes triumph as England collapse again in Boxing Day Test</a>

"The affected individuals are currently isolating," Cricket Australia said, adding that the entire playing group were negative.

"The England cricket team will also have PCR tests today and both teams will take extra precautions throughout play," CA added.

Australian broadcaster the Seven Network also said there had been a positive case among its staff working at the MCG, forcing last-minute changes to their commentary team.

Driven by the Omicron variant, coronavirus cases are surging in Australia -- particularly in Sydney -- where the fourth Test is scheduled in January before the Ashes finale in Hobart.

More than 6,000 cases are being reported daily across New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.

Nevertheless, Hockley said the plan was to press on as scheduled with the Ashes.

"That's absolutely the plan. There's nothing to suggest otherwise. We'll rely on the protocols. It's a day-by-day proposition," he&nbsp;told reporters.

"I can't tell you the amount of work going on behind the scenes. The diligence of our medical team and players, the diligence with which they're working through each of the protocols is extremely impressive.

"They're very calm, they know this is what they need to do."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whole-england-set-up-is-under-pressure-vaughan-slams-root-co-after-dismal-show-in-3rd-ashes-test-440128">'Whole England set-up is under pressure': Vaughan slams Root &amp; Co. after dismal show in 3rd Ashes Test</a>

He added: "We've got very comprehensive testing regimes and the players have been absolutely fantastic. It's ultimately about everyone taking personal responsibility."

England faced a similar scenario earlier this year when the fifth Test of their home series against India was cancelled after multiple cases among the visitors’ support staff.

Australia captain Pat Cummins, who missed the second Ashes Test because he was in Covid isolation, said the dramatic events on Monday were "a sign of the times".

"You've got to be pretty flexible," he told sports broadcaster SEN.

Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley moved to allay fears Monday over the remainder of the Ashes series after England were rocked by a Covid scare, but admitted it was a "day-by-day proposition".

Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley moved to allay fears Monday over the remainder of the Ashes series after England were rocked by a Covid scare, but admitted it was a "day-by-day proposition". Four members of the England camp -- two support staff and two family members -- tested positive for coronavirus just hours before the start of day two in the third Test in Melbourne. The team and management were required to undergo urgent rapid antigen tests as they were about to leave their hotel for the Melbourne Cricket Ground. They were given the all-clear barely 45 minutes before play was due to begin. ALSO READ: Australia move closer to Ashes triumph as England collapse again in Boxing Day Test "The affected individuals are currently isolating," Cricket Australia said, adding that the entire playing group were negative. "The England cricket team will also have PCR tests today and both teams will take extra precautions throughout play," CA added. Australian broadcaster the Seven Network also said there had been a positive case among its staff working at the MCG, forcing last-minute changes to their commentary team. Driven by the Omicron variant, coronavirus cases are surging in Australia -- particularly in Sydney -- where the fourth Test is scheduled in January before the Ashes finale in Hobart. More than 6,000 cases are being reported daily across New South Wales state, where Sydney is located. Nevertheless, Hockley said the plan was to press on as scheduled with the Ashes. "That's absolutely the plan. There's nothing to suggest otherwise. We'll rely on the protocols. It's a day-by-day proposition," he told reporters. "I can't tell you the amount of work going on behind the scenes. The diligence of our medical team and players, the diligence with which they're working through each of the protocols is extremely impressive. "They're very calm, they know this is what they need to do." ALSO READ: 'Whole England set-up is under pressure': Vaughan slams Root & Co. after dismal show in 3rd Ashes Test He added: "We've got very comprehensive testing regimes and the players have been absolutely fantastic. It's ultimately about everyone taking personal responsibility." England faced a similar scenario earlier this year when the fifth Test of their home series against India was cancelled after multiple cases among the visitors’ support staff. Australia captain Pat Cummins, who missed the second Ashes Test because he was in Covid isolation, said the dramatic events on Monday were "a sign of the times". "You've got to be pretty flexible," he told sports broadcaster SEN.

'We'll rely on the protocols': CA wants Ashes to continue despite COVID-19 cases in England camp

A dazed England lost four wickets in a hostile late spell to leave them still trailing by 51 runs and fighting to stave off defeat Monday at stumps on day two of a gripping third Ashes Test against Australia.

It came after the visitors -- who must win in Melbourne -- were rocked by four positive Covid cases in their camp, although no players were among them.

Australia were all out for 267, earning an 82-run lead on England's first-innings 185 on an MCG pitch that was still offering plenty for the bowlers.

Marcus Harris top-scored with a battling 76 against a dangerous English attack led by veteran Jimmy Anderson, who was at his fearsome best with 4-33 off 23 overs.

After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, England must win to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders.

But faced with surviving the final hour against a revved-up Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, England collapsed again, slumping to 31 for four at the close.

Struggling opener Zak Crawley never looked comfortable and after dodging 15 balls he was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for five off Starc.

Dawid Malan came in but incredibly was out first ball to Starc lbw after an unsuccessful review, then Scott Boland ruined Haseeb Hameed's day on seven, with Carey gloving an edge.

Fired up, Boland bowled Jack Leach without scoring two balls to leave skipper Joe Root unbeaten on 12 and Ben Stokes on two -- and England in deep trouble.

England earlier took their chances with the key wickets of Marnus Labuschagne (1) and Steve Smith (16), along with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon, before lunch.

Harris (76) and Travis Head (27) surrendered in the second session before England mopped up the rest.

Australia resumed on 61 for one with the maligned Harris, who started on 20, under pressure after a poor series so far.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-22-hapless-england-bundled-out-for-185-as-australia-continue-domination-in-3rd-test-440057">Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Ashes&nbsp;Test</a>

But he hung on grimly as Australian wickets tumbled around him to repay the faith of coach Justin Langer by bringing up only his third 50 in 13 Tests, and his first in two years.

He then fell on 76 with the brilliant Anderson enticing an edge that Root took at slip.

Head, who made a swashbuckling 152 at the first Test in Brisbane, compiled a good-looking 27 before flailing at a probing Ollie Robinson ball, also caught by Root to snap a 60-run stand with Harris.

Covid drama

Play began half an hour late after Covid drama in the England camp, with the team forced to undergo urgent rapid antigen tests as they were about to leave for the MCG.

All players came back negative, but two support staff and two family members tested positive.

Coronavirus impacted the second Test at Adelaide with Australian captain Cummins ruled out just before the start for being in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case.&nbsp;

When play started, Lyon didn't last, hitting 10 before prodding at a full-length Robinson delivery to Jos Buttler behind the stumps.

Harris smacked an early boundary off Anderson, but was cautious. He survived a review decision on 36 after being given out lbw and a difficult stumping on 63 before his luck finally ran out.

Labuschagne, the new number one Test batsman, had a rare failure, undone by the pace of Mark Wood, edging to Root on one in a massive moment for a resurgent England.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whole-england-set-up-is-under-pressure-vaughan-slams-root-co-after-dismal-show-in-3rd-ashes-test-440128">'Whole England set-up is under pressure': Vaughan slams Root &amp; Co. after dismal show in 3rd Ashes Test</a>

Harris was joined by the usually reliable Smith, who made 16 before being bowled by Anderson to leave the match finely poised.

Head also succumbed to the safe hands of Root, off Robinson, then Leach trapped Cameron Green lbw for 17.&nbsp;

Stokes removed Carey, also for 17, before late cameos from Cummins and Starc added valuable extra runs.

A dazed England lost four wickets in a hostile late spell to leave them still trailing by 51 runs and fighting to stave off defeat Monday at stumps on day two of a gripping third Ashes Test against Australia.

A dazed England lost four wickets in a hostile late spell to leave them still trailing by 51 runs and fighting to stave off defeat Monday at stumps on day two of a gripping third Ashes Test against Australia. It came after the visitors -- who must win in Melbourne -- were rocked by four positive Covid cases in their camp, although no players were among them. Australia were all out for 267, earning an 82-run lead on England's first-innings 185 on an MCG pitch that was still offering plenty for the bowlers. Marcus Harris top-scored with a battling 76 against a dangerous English attack led by veteran Jimmy Anderson, who was at his fearsome best with 4-33 off 23 overs. After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, England must win to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders. But faced with surviving the final hour against a revved-up Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, England collapsed again, slumping to 31 for four at the close. Struggling opener Zak Crawley never looked comfortable and after dodging 15 balls he was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for five off Starc. Dawid Malan came in but incredibly was out first ball to Starc lbw after an unsuccessful review, then Scott Boland ruined Haseeb Hameed's day on seven, with Carey gloving an edge. Fired up, Boland bowled Jack Leach without scoring two balls to leave skipper Joe Root unbeaten on 12 and Ben Stokes on two -- and England in deep trouble. England earlier took their chances with the key wickets of Marnus Labuschagne (1) and Steve Smith (16), along with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon, before lunch. Harris (76) and Travis Head (27) surrendered in the second session before England mopped up the rest. Australia resumed on 61 for one with the maligned Harris, who started on 20, under pressure after a poor series so far. ALSO READ: Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Ashes Test But he hung on grimly as Australian wickets tumbled around him to repay the faith of coach Justin Langer by bringing up only his third 50 in 13 Tests, and his first in two years. He then fell on 76 with the brilliant Anderson enticing an edge that Root took at slip. Head, who made a swashbuckling 152 at the first Test in Brisbane, compiled a good-looking 27 before flailing at a probing Ollie Robinson ball, also caught by Root to snap a 60-run stand with Harris. Covid drama Play began half an hour late after Covid drama in the England camp, with the team forced to undergo urgent rapid antigen tests as they were about to leave for the MCG. All players came back negative, but two support staff and two family members tested positive. Coronavirus impacted the second Test at Adelaide with Australian captain Cummins ruled out just before the start for being in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case. When play started, Lyon didn't last, hitting 10 before prodding at a full-length Robinson delivery to Jos Buttler behind the stumps. Harris smacked an early boundary off Anderson, but was cautious. He survived a review decision on 36 after being given out lbw and a difficult stumping on 63 before his luck finally ran out. Labuschagne, the new number one Test batsman, had a rare failure, undone by the pace of Mark Wood, edging to Root on one in a massive moment for a resurgent England. ALSO READ: 'Whole England set-up is under pressure': Vaughan slams Root & Co. after dismal show in 3rd Ashes Test Harris was joined by the usually reliable Smith, who made 16 before being bowled by Anderson to leave the match finely poised. Head also succumbed to the safe hands of Root, off Robinson, then Leach trapped Cameron Green lbw for 17. Stokes removed Carey, also for 17, before late cameos from Cummins and Starc added valuable extra runs.

Australia move closer to Ashes triumph as England collapse again in Boxing Day Test

England have struggled miserably in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 against Australia Down Under. The Joe Root-led side is already 2-0 down in the five-match series and produced yet another dismal show on Day 1 of the ongoing third Test against the hosts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday. England's batting line-up suffered another terrible collapse as Australia dominated the proceedings on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test.

Root &amp; Co. were bundled out for a paltry 185 runs on Day 1 as none of the batters barring skipper Root (50 off 82 balls) and Jonny Bairstow (35 off 75 balls) managed to show some fight against the Aussie bowlers. Australia captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon picked up six wickets between them to rattle England on Day 1 of the Boxing Day encounter.

Reacting to England's poor show on Day 1, Vaughan said not just skipper Root but the entire England set-up is currently under pressure. Vaughan called Root a great guy but insisted he has not been up to the mark as a captain this year and has made several selection blunders in important series.

“They’re under pressure, the whole set-up is under pressure. He is a great guy; Joe Root is a fantastic human being, but he’s made mistakes over the last year. In the summer he made big mistakes in India, getting it wrong in Brisbane with his selection, again in Adelaide with his selection and his tactics,” said Vaughan in a chat with Fox Cricket.

England once again left&nbsp;fast bowler Stuart Broad out of the playing XI for the third Test against Australia in Melbourne. The decision has left Vaughan baffled as the former England captain questioned how can someone as experienced as Broad miss out on a spot in the playing XI despite the pitch being a green top.

“I look at someone like Stuart Broad; in Brisbane, he wasn’t selected on that green top there, he’s not selected here. How England have not seen Stuart Broad, with all his experience, such a wonderful Test career, is not going to be bowling a ball on a green top in Brisbane and now not here in Melbourne, that’s staggering really," said Vaughan.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-22-hapless-england-bundled-out-for-185-as-australia-continue-domination-in-3rd-test-440057">Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Ashes&nbsp;Test</a>

Taking a dig at England over their shambolic performances in the Ashes 2021-22 so far, Vaughan said the only thing they have done right in the series is to turn up on time for every game.

"How Stuart Broad is not going to be bowling around the wicket to David Warner on a green top, I just can’t fathom that with the quality that he brings. So far the only thing they’ve done right on the trip is turn up on time,” Vaughan concluded.

England have struggled miserably in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 against Australia Down Under. The Joe Root-led side is already 2-0 down in the five-match series and produced yet another dismal show on Day 1 of the ongoing third Test against the hosts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.

England have struggled miserably in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 against Australia Down Under. The Joe Root-led side is already 2-0 down in the five-match series and produced yet another dismal show on Day 1 of the ongoing third Test against the hosts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday. England's batting line-up suffered another terrible collapse as Australia dominated the proceedings on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test. Root & Co. were bundled out for a paltry 185 runs on Day 1 as none of the batters barring skipper Root (50 off 82 balls) and Jonny Bairstow (35 off 75 balls) managed to show some fight against the Aussie bowlers. Australia captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon picked up six wickets between them to rattle England on Day 1 of the Boxing Day encounter. Reacting to England's poor show on Day 1, Vaughan said not just skipper Root but the entire England set-up is currently under pressure. Vaughan called Root a great guy but insisted he has not been up to the mark as a captain this year and has made several selection blunders in important series. “They’re under pressure, the whole set-up is under pressure. He is a great guy; Joe Root is a fantastic human being, but he’s made mistakes over the last year. In the summer he made big mistakes in India, getting it wrong in Brisbane with his selection, again in Adelaide with his selection and his tactics,” said Vaughan in a chat with Fox Cricket. England once again left fast bowler Stuart Broad out of the playing XI for the third Test against Australia in Melbourne. The decision has left Vaughan baffled as the former England captain questioned how can someone as experienced as Broad miss out on a spot in the playing XI despite the pitch being a green top. “I look at someone like Stuart Broad; in Brisbane, he wasn’t selected on that green top there, he’s not selected here. How England have not seen Stuart Broad, with all his experience, such a wonderful Test career, is not going to be bowling a ball on a green top in Brisbane and now not here in Melbourne, that’s staggering really," said Vaughan. Also Read: Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Ashes Test Taking a dig at England over their shambolic performances in the Ashes 2021-22 so far, Vaughan said the only thing they have done right in the series is to turn up on time for every game. "How Stuart Broad is not going to be bowling around the wicket to David Warner on a green top, I just can’t fathom that with the quality that he brings. So far the only thing they’ve done right on the trip is turn up on time,” Vaughan concluded.

'Whole England set-up is under pressure': Vaughan slams Root & Co. after dismal show in 3rd Ashes Test

England crashed to 185 all out on day one of the third Test on Sunday, leaving their Ashes dreams on the brink of ruin in the face of a relentless Australian attack.

After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, the visitors must win in Melbourne to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders.

But those hopes took a near-fatal blow as Australia ripped through England's flimsy batting, with only captain Joe Root (50) and Jonny Bairstow (35) showing resistance.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins, back after missing the second Adelaide Test because he was in Covid isolation, and spin king Nathan Lyon both took 3-36.

Australia then added to England's pain by negotiating 16 overs&nbsp;to be 61 for one at stumps, trailing by only 124 with Marcus Harris not-out 20 despite taking a nasty blow to the finger, and nightwatchman Lyon yet to score.

But on another bad day for England they did bag the big wicket of David Warner, who raced to 38 off 42 balls before sending a thick edge off Jimmy Anderson to Zak Crawley at gully.

After batting collapses and poor bowling in the first two Tests, Root read his players the riot act -- seemingly to little affect. They have failed to score more than 297 in five innings so far.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-james-anderson-shifts-blame-on-batters-after-joe-roots-criticism-of-england-bowlers-439601">Ashes 2021: James Anderson shifts blame on batters after Joe Root's criticism of England bowlers</a>

Openers Haseeb Hameed (0) and Crawley (12) fell cheaply to Cummins after he won the toss and put England in to bat, with their hopes resting once more on Root in front of 57,100 fans at the MCG -- less than expected due to Covid concerns.

He brought up his 53rd Test half-century in his 112th match, but once more failed to convert it into a maiden ton in Australia after a poor shot on 50 to Mitchell Starc.

The visitors wielded the axe after their 275-run defeat in Adelaide with Crawley in for Rory Burns and Bairstow replacing Ollie Pope at number six.

Speedster Mark Wood was recalled after being rested in Adelaide, as was off-spinner Jack Leach, with Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad overlooked.

Wearing black armbands to mourn former England captain Ray Illingworth, who died aged 89, Crawley confidently drove Cummins for three in his opening over.

But Cummins struck three balls later with Hameed's torrid tour continuing, out after nicking to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

<h2>Disaster strikes</h2>

Crawley earned his first Test chance since March due to Burns' poor form, but he failed to grab it, finding an outside edge to a rising Cummins ball that Cameron Green superbly caught at gully.

His dismissal for 12 left England at 13 for two with Dawid Malan and Root, the only two English batsmen to pass 50 this series, again on the back foot.

A cautious Malan took 18 balls to get off the mark, but disaster struck just before lunch when he got an edge off Cummins on 14 that carried to Warner at slip. &nbsp;

Root played positively to move past South Africa's Graeme Smith (1,656 in 2008) and into third place for the most runs scored in a calendar year.

But just as he looked set he offered a lazy stroke that took a nick and was taken by Carey, with the England captain livid as he trudged off.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/4-major-milestones-indian-skipper-virat-kohli-can-achieve-in-test-series-against-south-africa-440048">4 major milestones Indian skipper Virat Kohli can achieve in Test series against South Africa</a>

After star all-rounder Ben Stokes departed for 25, succumbing to pressure from Green and playing a cut shot straight to Lyon at point, Jos Buttler lasted only 11 balls.

He hit Lyon to debutant Scott Boland, the first Indigenous man to play Test cricket for Australia since Jason Gillespie.

Boland then took the wicket of Wood, lbw for six, before Bairstow gloved Starc to Green and Australia mopped up the tail.

England crashed to 185 all out on day one of the third Test on Sunday, leaving their Ashes dreams on the brink of ruin in the face of a relentless Australian attack.

England crashed to 185 all out on day one of the third Test on Sunday, leaving their Ashes dreams on the brink of ruin in the face of a relentless Australian attack. After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, the visitors must win in Melbourne to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders. But those hopes took a near-fatal blow as Australia ripped through England's flimsy batting, with only captain Joe Root (50) and Jonny Bairstow (35) showing resistance. Australian skipper Pat Cummins, back after missing the second Adelaide Test because he was in Covid isolation, and spin king Nathan Lyon both took 3-36. Australia then added to England's pain by negotiating 16 overs to be 61 for one at stumps, trailing by only 124 with Marcus Harris not-out 20 despite taking a nasty blow to the finger, and nightwatchman Lyon yet to score. But on another bad day for England they did bag the big wicket of David Warner, who raced to 38 off 42 balls before sending a thick edge off Jimmy Anderson to Zak Crawley at gully. After batting collapses and poor bowling in the first two Tests, Root read his players the riot act -- seemingly to little affect. They have failed to score more than 297 in five innings so far. ALSO READ: Ashes 2021: James Anderson shifts blame on batters after Joe Root's criticism of England bowlers Openers Haseeb Hameed (0) and Crawley (12) fell cheaply to Cummins after he won the toss and put England in to bat, with their hopes resting once more on Root in front of 57,100 fans at the MCG -- less than expected due to Covid concerns. He brought up his 53rd Test half-century in his 112th match, but once more failed to convert it into a maiden ton in Australia after a poor shot on 50 to Mitchell Starc. The visitors wielded the axe after their 275-run defeat in Adelaide with Crawley in for Rory Burns and Bairstow replacing Ollie Pope at number six. Speedster Mark Wood was recalled after being rested in Adelaide, as was off-spinner Jack Leach, with Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad overlooked. Wearing black armbands to mourn former England captain Ray Illingworth, who died aged 89, Crawley confidently drove Cummins for three in his opening over. But Cummins struck three balls later with Hameed's torrid tour continuing, out after nicking to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Disaster strikes Crawley earned his first Test chance since March due to Burns' poor form, but he failed to grab it, finding an outside edge to a rising Cummins ball that Cameron Green superbly caught at gully. His dismissal for 12 left England at 13 for two with Dawid Malan and Root, the only two English batsmen to pass 50 this series, again on the back foot. A cautious Malan took 18 balls to get off the mark, but disaster struck just before lunch when he got an edge off Cummins on 14 that carried to Warner at slip. Root played positively to move past South Africa's Graeme Smith (1,656 in 2008) and into third place for the most runs scored in a calendar year. But just as he looked set he offered a lazy stroke that took a nick and was taken by Carey, with the England captain livid as he trudged off. ALSO READ: 4 major milestones Indian skipper Virat Kohli can achieve in Test series against South Africa After star all-rounder Ben Stokes departed for 25, succumbing to pressure from Green and playing a cut shot straight to Lyon at point, Jos Buttler lasted only 11 balls. He hit Lyon to debutant Scott Boland, the first Indigenous man to play Test cricket for Australia since Jason Gillespie. Boland then took the wicket of Wood, lbw for six, before Bairstow gloved Starc to Green and Australia mopped up the tail.

Ashes 2021-22: Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Test

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has slammed England skipper Joe Root for his comments criticisng English bowlers after the visitors lost the second Test by a huge margin of 272 runs to go 2-0 down in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. England were bundled out for just 192 runs while chasing a huge target of 468 runs to suffer their second straight defeat in the Ashes.

England captain Root was critical of his bowlers and said they should have been 'braver' and bowler better lengths against the Aussie batters. It was a disappointing show from the England bowlers as the duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad could only manage a total of five wickets between them across Australia's two innings.

While Root was not happy with the efforts of England's bowlers, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said the onus was on the skipper to ask his bowlers to change their line and length. Ponting said he nearly fell off his seat when he heard Root criticising his bowlers and questioned why was he the captain if he can't make his bowlers bowl as per his instructions.

"I nearly fell off my seat when I heard that. Whose job is it then to make them change? Why are you captain then?" - &nbsp;Ponting told cricket.com.au.

"If you can't influence your bowlers on what length to bowl, what are you doing on the field? Joe Root can come back and say whatever he likes but if you're captain, you've got to be able to sense when your bowlers aren't bowling where you want them to. That's what captaincy is all about," the former Australia captain added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/felt-crushed-r-ashwin-recalls-ravi-shastris-huge-praise-for-kuldeep-yadav-during-2018-19-australia-tour-438692">Felt crushed:&nbsp;Ashwin recalls Ravi Shastri's huge praise for Kuldeep Yadav during 2018-19 Australia tour</a>

Ponting further aimed a dig at Root and said England's bowling was the best when the visiting captain was not on the ground for a short period of time on Day 4. Root didn't come out to the field as he was suffering from a groin injury with Ben Stokes acting as the stand-in skipper in his absence.

"The interesting thing for me is the only time they bowled full in the game was when Joe Root wasn't on the ground," Ponting said.

"The start of day four when they had a meeting on the ground before play started, Stokes took over the captaincy, and that was the only time in the game they pitched the ball up," he added.

England are currently 2-0 down in Ashes 2021-22 and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they lock horns in the third Test against Australia in Melbourne from December 26. 
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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has slammed England skipper Joe Root for his comments criticisng English bowlers after the visitors lost the second Test by a huge margin of 272 runs to go 2-0 down in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has slammed England skipper Joe Root for his comments criticisng English bowlers after the visitors lost the second Test by a huge margin of 272 runs to go 2-0 down in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. England were bundled out for just 192 runs while chasing a huge target of 468 runs to suffer their second straight defeat in the Ashes. England captain Root was critical of his bowlers and said they should have been 'braver' and bowler better lengths against the Aussie batters. It was a disappointing show from the England bowlers as the duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad could only manage a total of five wickets between them across Australia's two innings. While Root was not happy with the efforts of England's bowlers, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said the onus was on the skipper to ask his bowlers to change their line and length. Ponting said he nearly fell off his seat when he heard Root criticising his bowlers and questioned why was he the captain if he can't make his bowlers bowl as per his instructions. "I nearly fell off my seat when I heard that. Whose job is it then to make them change? Why are you captain then?" - Ponting told cricket.com.au. "If you can't influence your bowlers on what length to bowl, what are you doing on the field? Joe Root can come back and say whatever he likes but if you're captain, you've got to be able to sense when your bowlers aren't bowling where you want them to. That's what captaincy is all about," the former Australia captain added. Also Read: Felt crushed: Ashwin recalls Ravi Shastri's huge praise for Kuldeep Yadav during 2018-19 Australia tour Ponting further aimed a dig at Root and said England's bowling was the best when the visiting captain was not on the ground for a short period of time on Day 4. Root didn't come out to the field as he was suffering from a groin injury with Ben Stokes acting as the stand-in skipper in his absence. "The interesting thing for me is the only time they bowled full in the game was when Joe Root wasn't on the ground," Ponting said. "The start of day four when they had a meeting on the ground before play started, Stokes took over the captaincy, and that was the only time in the game they pitched the ball up," he added. England are currently 2-0 down in Ashes 2021-22 and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they lock horns in the third Test against Australia in Melbourne from December 26.

Why are you captain? Ricky Ponting slams Joe Root as England skipper blames bowler after Ashes debacle

Steve Smith captained Australia in the second Test against England after regular skipper Pat Cummins had to miss the game. Cummins was ruled on the morning of the first day of the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide after coming in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person during his visit to a restaurant in the city.

Cummins was thus asked to isolate and Australia had to name Smith the stand-in captain for the second Test. Smith, who was recently appointed as the vice-captain of the side for the first time since the 2018 Sandpaper scandal, revealed he got to know about the change in captaincy only hours before the start of the game at the Adelaide Oval.

Smith recalled how he had two missed calls from Pat Cummins and a missed message from head coach Justin Langer before he found out about leading the team in the game. Smith-led Australia to a comprehensive 275-run win in the second Test as the hosts bagged back-to-back wins to make it 2-0 in the five-match series.

"On day one, there was not a lot of nerves. I only found out about 10 or 11 a.m. I had two missed calls from Pat and a missed message from (head coach) Justin Langer..." Smith said after Australia's victory.

"I found out the news that Pat was out for the game and I was going to be captain. It's been an enjoyable week, hopefully, we can keep this momentum going," he added.

It was yet another dominant performance from the Aussies, who set up a huge target of 468 runs for England in their second innings after bundling them out for just 236 runs in their first innings. Barring Jos Buttler, who scored 26 runs off 207 balls and Chris Woakes, who scored 44 off 97 deliveries, none of the England batters managed to show some fight against the Australian bowlers.

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Fast bowler Jhye Richardson claimed a five-wicket haul to help Australia bundle out England for just 192 runs in the second innings and record another big win by 275&nbsp;runs. Australia had won the first Test of the series by nine wickets and are now just one win away from winning Ashes 2021-22 and retaining the prestigious urn.

Steve Smith captained Australia in the second Test against England after regular skipper Pat Cummins had to miss the game. Cummins was ruled on the morning of the first day of the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide after coming in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person during his visit to a restaurant in the city.

Steve Smith captained Australia in the second Test against England after regular skipper Pat Cummins had to miss the game. Cummins was ruled on the morning of the first day of the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide after coming in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person during his visit to a restaurant in the city. Cummins was thus asked to isolate and Australia had to name Smith the stand-in captain for the second Test. Smith, who was recently appointed as the vice-captain of the side for the first time since the 2018 Sandpaper scandal, revealed he got to know about the change in captaincy only hours before the start of the game at the Adelaide Oval. Smith recalled how he had two missed calls from Pat Cummins and a missed message from head coach Justin Langer before he found out about leading the team in the game. Smith-led Australia to a comprehensive 275-run win in the second Test as the hosts bagged back-to-back wins to make it 2-0 in the five-match series. "On day one, there was not a lot of nerves. I only found out about 10 or 11 a.m. I had two missed calls from Pat and a missed message from (head coach) Justin Langer..." Smith said after Australia's victory. "I found out the news that Pat was out for the game and I was going to be captain. It's been an enjoyable week, hopefully, we can keep this momentum going," he added. It was yet another dominant performance from the Aussies, who set up a huge target of 468 runs for England in their second innings after bundling them out for just 236 runs in their first innings. Barring Jos Buttler, who scored 26 runs off 207 balls and Chris Woakes, who scored 44 off 97 deliveries, none of the England batters managed to show some fight against the Australian bowlers. Also Read: India's Test and ODI series against South Africa to be played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 Fast bowler Jhye Richardson claimed a five-wicket haul to help Australia bundle out England for just 192 runs in the second innings and record another big win by 275 runs. Australia had won the first Test of the series by nine wickets and are now just one win away from winning Ashes 2021-22 and retaining the prestigious urn.

'Got 2 missed calls from Pat': Steve Smith reveals how he learnt about return to captaincy in 2nd Ashes Test

The second Test between Australia and England ended with the Steve Smith-led Aussies thrashing England by a whopping 275-run margin at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Monday (December 20). Despite being without regular captain Pat Cummins and premier pacer Josh Hazlewood, the hosts produced an all-round display to demolish a toothless Joe Root-led England line-up and go 2-0 up in the Ashes 2021/22 series Down Under.

Opting to bat first, Smith-led Aussies posted 473-9 decl. riding on Marnus Labuschagne's 103 and fifties from David Warner, Smith and Alex Carey. In reply, England's batting woes continued as they bundled out for 236. With a lead of 237, Australia added 230&nbsp;more runs in their second essay -- losing nine wickets in the process -- to setup a daunting 468-run target for the visitors.

England showed some character courtesy their lower middle-order's fight on the final day, with Jos Buttler's 207-ball 26, before they were dismissed for a paltry 192 in 113.1 overs to lose by a whopping margin and go further down in the series. Here's a look at the updated points table of the second cycle of the WTC after England's latest drubbing:

<img alt="WTC Points Table after 2nd Ashes Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8ccf83e-1544-443d-9706-32812652c111" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20PT.PNG" />

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2nd-test-hosts-australia-beat-england-by-275-runs-in-adelaide-lead-series-2-0-438371">Ashes, 2nd Test: Hosts Australia beat England by 275 runs in Adelaide, lead series 2-0</a>

Dimuth Karunartne-led Sri Lanka continue to dominate the points table and the Islanders are followed by Australia, Pakistan and India. Root-led England have plenty to ponder upon with them languishing at the bottom-half, only above Bangladesh, at the seventh position. They need a herculean effort to stage a recovery in the Ashes 2021/22 edition with Australia showcasing their dominance at home.

After the loss, Root stated at the post-match presentation, "I feel we competed in patches, but we need to fight the whole game. That’s what is needed to win here. The attitude today was brilliant. We just need to do more of it. I expect us to have that mentality for the rest of the series."

More changes are expected in the WTC points table by the end of December with Test series lined-up between New Zealand-Bangladesh and India-South Africa.&nbsp;

The second Test between Australia and England ended with the Steve Smith-led Aussies thrashing England by a whopping 275-run margin at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Monday (December 20).

The second Test between Australia and England ended with the Steve Smith-led Aussies thrashing England by a whopping 275-run margin at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Monday (December 20). Despite being without regular captain Pat Cummins and premier pacer Josh Hazlewood, the hosts produced an all-round display to demolish a toothless Joe Root-led England line-up and go 2-0 up in the Ashes 2021/22 series Down Under. Opting to bat first, Smith-led Aussies posted 473-9 decl. riding on Marnus Labuschagne's 103 and fifties from David Warner, Smith and Alex Carey. In reply, England's batting woes continued as they bundled out for 236. With a lead of 237, Australia added 230 more runs in their second essay -- losing nine wickets in the process -- to setup a daunting 468-run target for the visitors. England showed some character courtesy their lower middle-order's fight on the final day, with Jos Buttler's 207-ball 26, before they were dismissed for a paltry 192 in 113.1 overs to lose by a whopping margin and go further down in the series. Here's a look at the updated points table of the second cycle of the WTC after England's latest drubbing: ALSO READ | Ashes, 2nd Test: Hosts Australia beat England by 275 runs in Adelaide, lead series 2-0 Dimuth Karunartne-led Sri Lanka continue to dominate the points table and the Islanders are followed by Australia, Pakistan and India. Root-led England have plenty to ponder upon with them languishing at the bottom-half, only above Bangladesh, at the seventh position. They need a herculean effort to stage a recovery in the Ashes 2021/22 edition with Australia showcasing their dominance at home. After the loss, Root stated at the post-match presentation, "I feel we competed in patches, but we need to fight the whole game. That’s what is needed to win here. The attitude today was brilliant. We just need to do more of it. I expect us to have that mentality for the rest of the series." More changes are expected in the WTC points table by the end of December with Test series lined-up between New Zealand-Bangladesh and India-South Africa.

Updated WTC points table after Australia thrash England in day-night Ashes Test in Adelaide

Australia ground down a battling England to win the second Test in Adelaide Monday and go 2-0 up in the&nbsp;Ashes&nbsp;series, leaving the visitors' dreams of winning back the hallowed urn in tatters.

England resumed day five of the pink ball Test in deep trouble at 82 for four chasing a massive 468 to win, realistically needing a miracle just to salvage a draw.&nbsp;

They gamely hung on into the final session, fighting a desperate rearguard action until ultimately crumbling to be all out for 192, crashing to a 275-run defeat.

Jhye Richardson was the pick of the attack with 5-42.

England slumped to defeat by nine wickets in the first Test at Brisbane and the loss this week means their hopes of winning back a trophy they last secured on Australian turf in 2010-11 are all but over.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ricky-ponting-left-in-splits-as-joe-root-struggles-to-run-after-being-hit-on-the-box-during-2nd-test-438193">WATCH: Ricky Ponting left in splits as Joe Root struggles to run after being hit on the box during 2nd Test</a>

Joe Root's men will head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test starting Sunday knowing that the only instance of a team coming from 2-0 down to win the&nbsp;Ashes&nbsp;was Donald Bradman's Australia way back in 1936-37.

<h2>'It's frustrating'</h2>

"The reason it's disappointing is because we made the same mistakes. I think we could have bowled a lot fuller, and with the bat we need to be better, make bigger scores and apply better," said Root.&nbsp;

"The second innings is the attitude and desire we need. It's frustrating because we know we are better. Lessons learnt, we have to be better in the next game."

With Root, the world's number one Test batsmen, removed by Mitchell Starc in the final over on Sunday evening, England's hopes appeared to rest with allrounder Ben Stokes.

The 30-year-old has so often rescued his team, with memories of his match-winning exploits against Australia at Headingley in 2019 to keep that series alive still fresh.

But trying to nurse England's batting through 90 overs against Australia's relentless bowling was too big a task, even for him.

He put his head down and lasted 77 balls for 12 runs before Nathan Lyon struck. The umpire initially gave the lbw shout not out, but Australia reviewed and it was shown to be plumb in front.

Ollie Pope lasted only seven balls, edging to Steve Smith at slip off Starc, out for four to go with his disappointing first innings' five.

But Jos Buttler (26) and Chris Woakes (44) dug in, frustrating Australia in a 61-run stand before Jhye Richardson clattered Woakes' stumps.

Ollie Robinson made a dogged eight before Smith took his sixth catch of the match to dismiss him off Lyon, then Buttler incredibly fell after surviving nearly 35 overs by stepping on his own stumps.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-ordinary-and-unlucky-australia-legend-calls-joe-root-poor-captain-as-england-struggle-in-ashes-438168">'He is ordinary and unlucky': Australia legend calls Joe Root poor captain as England struggle in Ashes</a>

"I wasn't nervous. I think Jos played very well, and played over 200 balls, so it was good resistance along with Woakes and Robbo," said interim Australian skipper Smith.&nbsp;

"We wanted to stay calm because we knew it would take a couple of good balls and a couple of wickets to get the win.

"I had fun this week, enjoyed it," he added. "The guys played well, controlled the game from the first day."

<h2>Wrong picks</h2>

England's chances of victory had been nigh on impossible -- no team had ever posted such a big fourth innings score to win in Test cricket history, with the West Indies' 418 for seven in beating Steve Waugh's Australia at St John's in 2003 the highest.

Their problems stemmed from losing seven wickets for 86 runs as they collapsed to 236 all out in the first innings in reply to Australia's 473 for nine declared, with only Root (62) and Dawid Malan (80) showing any backbone.

They also blundered by leaving out Jack Leach, ignoring the warnings of Adelaide Oval's head groundsman before the game that it would be a mistake to not play a specialist spinner.

Bowling coach Jon Lewis admitted they erred in picking an all-pace attack, conceding they misjudged conditions, expecting&nbsp;more swing and less spin.

"In hindsight, you might say we should have picked a different side," he said, with returning veteran seamers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad claiming just five wickets between them.

While England struggled, Australia excelled under Smith after Pat Cummins was ruled out hours before the start over a Covid scare.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/salman-butt-on-chances-of-rohit-replacing-kohli-as-test-captain-will-be-clear-there-is-tension-between-them-438153">Salman Butt on chances of Rohit replacing Kohli as Test captain: Will be clear, there is tension between them</a>

Workhorse Marnus Labuschagne again reinforced his status as one of the world's premier batsmen, slamming 103 in the first innings and 51 in the second.

In contrast to England's batting, Australia showed more depth with five of their top six scoring fifties. Opener Marcus Harris was the only failure.

And even with pace spearheads Cummins and Josh Hazlewood missing, Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser ably complemented Starc and Lyon, along with fast-improving all-rounder Cameron Green.

Australia ground down a battling England to win the second Test in Adelaide Monday and go 2-0 up in the Ashes series, leaving the visitors' dreams of winning back the hallowed urn in tatters.

Australia ground down a battling England to win the second Test in Adelaide Monday and go 2-0 up in the Ashes series, leaving the visitors' dreams of winning back the hallowed urn in tatters. England resumed day five of the pink ball Test in deep trouble at 82 for four chasing a massive 468 to win, realistically needing a miracle just to salvage a draw. They gamely hung on into the final session, fighting a desperate rearguard action until ultimately crumbling to be all out for 192, crashing to a 275-run defeat. Jhye Richardson was the pick of the attack with 5-42. England slumped to defeat by nine wickets in the first Test at Brisbane and the loss this week means their hopes of winning back a trophy they last secured on Australian turf in 2010-11 are all but over. ALSO READ: WATCH: Ricky Ponting left in splits as Joe Root struggles to run after being hit on the box during 2nd Test Joe Root's men will head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test starting Sunday knowing that the only instance of a team coming from 2-0 down to win the Ashes was Donald Bradman's Australia way back in 1936-37. 'It's frustrating' "The reason it's disappointing is because we made the same mistakes. I think we could have bowled a lot fuller, and with the bat we need to be better, make bigger scores and apply better," said Root. "The second innings is the attitude and desire we need. It's frustrating because we know we are better. Lessons learnt, we have to be better in the next game." With Root, the world's number one Test batsmen, removed by Mitchell Starc in the final over on Sunday evening, England's hopes appeared to rest with allrounder Ben Stokes. The 30-year-old has so often rescued his team, with memories of his match-winning exploits against Australia at Headingley in 2019 to keep that series alive still fresh. But trying to nurse England's batting through 90 overs against Australia's relentless bowling was too big a task, even for him. He put his head down and lasted 77 balls for 12 runs before Nathan Lyon struck. The umpire initially gave the lbw shout not out, but Australia reviewed and it was shown to be plumb in front. Ollie Pope lasted only seven balls, edging to Steve Smith at slip off Starc, out for four to go with his disappointing first innings' five. But Jos Buttler (26) and Chris Woakes (44) dug in, frustrating Australia in a 61-run stand before Jhye Richardson clattered Woakes' stumps. Ollie Robinson made a dogged eight before Smith took his sixth catch of the match to dismiss him off Lyon, then Buttler incredibly fell after surviving nearly 35 overs by stepping on his own stumps. ALSO READ: 'He is ordinary and unlucky': Australia legend calls Joe Root poor captain as England struggle in Ashes "I wasn't nervous. I think Jos played very well, and played over 200 balls, so it was good resistance along with Woakes and Robbo," said interim Australian skipper Smith. "We wanted to stay calm because we knew it would take a couple of good balls and a couple of wickets to get the win. "I had fun this week, enjoyed it," he added. "The guys played well, controlled the game from the first day." Wrong picks England's chances of victory had been nigh on impossible -- no team had ever posted such a big fourth innings score to win in Test cricket history, with the West Indies' 418 for seven in beating Steve Waugh's Australia at St John's in 2003 the highest. Their problems stemmed from losing seven wickets for 86 runs as they collapsed to 236 all out in the first innings in reply to Australia's 473 for nine declared, with only Root (62) and Dawid Malan (80) showing any backbone. They also blundered by leaving out Jack Leach, ignoring the warnings of Adelaide Oval's head groundsman before the game that it would be a mistake to not play a specialist spinner. Bowling coach Jon Lewis admitted they erred in picking an all-pace attack, conceding they misjudged conditions, expecting more swing and less spin. "In hindsight, you might say we should have picked a different side," he said, with returning veteran seamers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad claiming just five wickets between them. While England struggled, Australia excelled under Smith after Pat Cummins was ruled out hours before the start over a Covid scare. ALSO READ: Salman Butt on chances of Rohit replacing Kohli as Test captain: Will be clear, there is tension between them Workhorse Marnus Labuschagne again reinforced his status as one of the world's premier batsmen, slamming 103 in the first innings and 51 in the second. In contrast to England's batting, Australia showed more depth with five of their top six scoring fifties. Opener Marcus Harris was the only failure. And even with pace spearheads Cummins and Josh Hazlewood missing, Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser ably complemented Starc and Lyon, along with fast-improving all-rounder Cameron Green.

Ashes, 2nd Test: Hosts Australia beat England by 275 runs in Adelaide, lead series 2-0

England had another bad day at the office as Australia once again dominated the proceedings on Day 4 of the onging second Test in Ashes 2021-22. The hosts rode on half-centuries from Marnus Labuschagne (51) and Travis Head (51) to help Australia extend their lead past the 450-run mark and set up a daunting target of 468 runs for England.

England batters were expected to stage a fightback, however, the visitors were further pinned back by the Aussies after losing opener Haseeb Hameed cheaply on a duck in the second over of their second innings. The visitors then lost Dawid Malan (20), Rory Burns (34) and Joe Root (24) by the end of Day 4's play to be reeling at 82/4 with a staggering 386 runs to chase.

For Root, the day went worse from bad as he copped a blow on the box off a delivery from left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc. Root, who had been taken for scans after an abdomen injury during England's first innings, was once again hit around the same region and needed physio's attention.&nbsp;

Root was clearly in pain and not comfortable as he was sene struggling to complete a run after being hit on the box. Root's funny way of completing the run due to the pain left the commentators, including former Australia captain Rickey Ponting in splits. Ponting is part of the commentary panel for 7Cricket for the ongoing Ashes 2021-22.&nbsp;

While some criticised the commentators for their gesture, some fans saw the funny side of the things as the video went viral on social media. David Warner, who was fielding first slip, was also seen smiling as he saw Root complete the run uncomfortably.

Watch video:

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Absolute scenes in the commentary box, completely losing it watching Joe Root run <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/0CoJCSPTKD">pic.twitter.com/0CoJCSPTKD</a>
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Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-ordinary-and-unlucky-australia-legend-calls-joe-root-poor-captain-as-england-struggle-in-ashes-438168">&nbsp;'He is ordinary and unlucky': Australia legend calls Joe Root poor captain as England struggle in Ashes</a>

Australia close in on back-to-back wins

Australia are currently 1-0 ahead in the Ashes 2021-22 after winning the first Test at The Gabba by nine wickets and care closing in on another big win in Adelaide. The hosts, who picked up four wickets in England's second innings on Day 4, are only six wickets away from clinching the second Test and making it 2-0.

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England had another bad day at the office as Australia once again dominated the proceedings on Day 4 of the onging second Test in Ashes 2021-22. The hosts rode on half-centuries from Marnus Labuschagne (51) and Travis Head (51) to help Australia extend their lead past the 450-run mark and set up a daunting target of 468 runs for England.

England had another bad day at the office as Australia once again dominated the proceedings on Day 4 of the onging second Test in Ashes 2021-22. The hosts rode on half-centuries from Marnus Labuschagne (51) and Travis Head (51) to help Australia extend their lead past the 450-run mark and set up a daunting target of 468 runs for England. England batters were expected to stage a fightback, however, the visitors were further pinned back by the Aussies after losing opener Haseeb Hameed cheaply on a duck in the second over of their second innings. The visitors then lost Dawid Malan (20), Rory Burns (34) and Joe Root (24) by the end of Day 4's play to be reeling at 82/4 with a staggering 386 runs to chase. For Root, the day went worse from bad as he copped a blow on the box off a delivery from left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc. Root, who had been taken for scans after an abdomen injury during England's first innings, was once again hit around the same region and needed physio's attention. Root was clearly in pain and not comfortable as he was sene struggling to complete a run after being hit on the box. Root's funny way of completing the run due to the pain left the commentators, including former Australia captain Rickey Ponting in splits. Ponting is part of the commentary panel for 7Cricket for the ongoing Ashes 2021-22. While some criticised the commentators for their gesture, some fans saw the funny side of the things as the video went viral on social media. David Warner, who was fielding first slip, was also seen smiling as he saw Root complete the run uncomfortably. Watch video: Absolute scenes in the commentary box, completely losing it watching Joe Root run #Ashes pic.twitter.com/0CoJCSPTKD — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 19, 2021 × Also Read: 'He is ordinary and unlucky': Australia legend calls Joe Root poor captain as England struggle in Ashes Australia close in on back-to-back wins Australia are currently 1-0 ahead in the Ashes 2021-22 after winning the first Test at The Gabba by nine wickets and care closing in on another big win in Adelaide. The hosts, who picked up four wickets in England's second innings on Day 4, are only six wickets away from clinching the second Test and making it 2-0.

WATCH: Ricky Ponting left in splits as Joe Root struggles to run after being hit on the box during 2nd Test

Joe Root fell in the final over of the fourth day Sunday to leave England in deep trouble at 82 for four chasing a massive 468 to win the second Ashes Test, needing a history-making miracle to avoid slumping 2-0 down in the series.

No team has ever posted such a big score in a fourth innings to win in the history of Test cricket -- with the West Indies' 418 for seven in beating Steve Waugh's Australia at St John's in 2003 the highest.

It is an even harder task at the Adelaide Oval, where Australia's 315 for six to defeat England in 1902 remains the best fourth-innings run chase.

England's problems stem from being bowled out, after a batting collapse, for 236 on Saturday in reply to Australia's 473 for nine declared.

They reached the close on day four with ailing skipper Root out in the last over of the day, leaving Ben Stokes not out three.

England are still 386 runs adrift, facing the near impossible task of batting out three sessions on the final day to salvage a draw with only six wickets remaining and the world's number one ranked Test batsman back in the pavilion.

The hosts resumed their second innings at 45 for one and declared on 230 for nine midway through the second session, giving their bowlers a crack at England with the pink ball as twilight loomed.&nbsp;

They immediately made inroads with Jhye Richardson steaming in to Haseeb Hameed and the ball flying off his glove to wicketkeeper Alex Carey without scoring.

Dawid Malan, who hit 80 in the first innings, was dropped by Steve Smith, but only lasted three more balls before debutant Michael Neser trapped him lbw for 20.&nbsp;

Opener Rory Burns was desperate for a big score after a lean spell and managed 34, but was then beaten by Richardson's sheer pace, edging to Smith at slip.

Root hurt his abdomen during a warm-up that saw him miss the opening 85 minutes while he went for a scan.&nbsp;

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He appeared mostly untroubled while batting but late in the day took a nasty blow in the same area from Mitchell&nbsp;Starc&nbsp;that left him writhing on the ground in agony.

Root gingerly got up, but in a huge blow was out for 24 in the final over, caught by Carey off&nbsp;Starc. &nbsp;

With England crashing by nine wickets in the first Test at Brisbane, their hopes are all but over of going into the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne in a week's time only 1-0 down.

A 2-0 defeicit in the five-match series will mean the Ashes are as good as gone. The only instance of a team coming from 2-0 down to win the urn was by Australia in the 1936-37 series.

Hero and villain Buttler

Earlier, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head both made 51 for Australia, steadying the innings after England took three quick wickets for seven runs to start the day.

Interim skipper Smith could have enforced the follow-on late Saturday, but opted to send in his batsmen to build an unassailable advantage.

Marcus Harris resumed Sunday not out 21 with nightwatchman Neser on two after they lost David Warner to an amateurish run-out the previous evening.&nbsp;

Neser only survived seven balls before a full-length Jimmy Anderson delivery rattled his middle stump, and Harris departed to a blinding catch from wicketkeeper Jos Buttler after getting a nick off Stuart Broad.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-starc-becomes-first-bowler-to-pick-50-wickets-with-pink-ball-in-day-night-tests-437967">Mitchell Starc becomes first bowler to pick 50 wickets with pink ball in Day-Night Test</a>

Buttler's celebrations were short-lived when he incredibly missed a regulation catch off Smith the very next ball, in a blunder reminiscent of the two sitters he put down from Labuschagne in the first innings.

But he soon went from villain to hero again by taking another fine diving catch to remove Smith for six off Ollie Robinson.

Head played at a rapid clip to reach an eighth Test half-century from 49 balls, but then pulled Robinson to Ben Stokes in the deep.

Labuschagne took 96 balls to reach his 50 but also holed out to Stokes, becoming part-time spinner Malan's first Test wicket, before late cameos ahead of the declaration.

Joe Root fell in the final over of the fourth day Sunday to leave England in deep trouble at 82 for four chasing a massive 468 to win the second Ashes Test, needing a history-making miracle to avoid slumping 2-0 down in the series.

Joe Root fell in the final over of the fourth day Sunday to leave England in deep trouble at 82 for four chasing a massive 468 to win the second Ashes Test, needing a history-making miracle to avoid slumping 2-0 down in the series. No team has ever posted such a big score in a fourth innings to win in the history of Test cricket -- with the West Indies' 418 for seven in beating Steve Waugh's Australia at St John's in 2003 the highest. It is an even harder task at the Adelaide Oval, where Australia's 315 for six to defeat England in 1902 remains the best fourth-innings run chase. England's problems stem from being bowled out, after a batting collapse, for 236 on Saturday in reply to Australia's 473 for nine declared. They reached the close on day four with ailing skipper Root out in the last over of the day, leaving Ben Stokes not out three. England are still 386 runs adrift, facing the near impossible task of batting out three sessions on the final day to salvage a draw with only six wickets remaining and the world's number one ranked Test batsman back in the pavilion. The hosts resumed their second innings at 45 for one and declared on 230 for nine midway through the second session, giving their bowlers a crack at England with the pink ball as twilight loomed. They immediately made inroads with Jhye Richardson steaming in to Haseeb Hameed and the ball flying off his glove to wicketkeeper Alex Carey without scoring. Dawid Malan, who hit 80 in the first innings, was dropped by Steve Smith, but only lasted three more balls before debutant Michael Neser trapped him lbw for 20. Opener Rory Burns was desperate for a big score after a lean spell and managed 34, but was then beaten by Richardson's sheer pace, edging to Smith at slip. Root hurt his abdomen during a warm-up that saw him miss the opening 85 minutes while he went for a scan. ALSO READ: WATCH: England pacer Ollie Robinson wows fans, turns off-spinner in 2nd Ashes Test against Australia He appeared mostly untroubled while batting but late in the day took a nasty blow in the same area from Mitchell Starc that left him writhing on the ground in agony. Root gingerly got up, but in a huge blow was out for 24 in the final over, caught by Carey off Starc. With England crashing by nine wickets in the first Test at Brisbane, their hopes are all but over of going into the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne in a week's time only 1-0 down. A 2-0 defeicit in the five-match series will mean the Ashes are as good as gone. The only instance of a team coming from 2-0 down to win the urn was by Australia in the 1936-37 series. Hero and villain Buttler Earlier, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head both made 51 for Australia, steadying the innings after England took three quick wickets for seven runs to start the day. Interim skipper Smith could have enforced the follow-on late Saturday, but opted to send in his batsmen to build an unassailable advantage. Marcus Harris resumed Sunday not out 21 with nightwatchman Neser on two after they lost David Warner to an amateurish run-out the previous evening. Neser only survived seven balls before a full-length Jimmy Anderson delivery rattled his middle stump, and Harris departed to a blinding catch from wicketkeeper Jos Buttler after getting a nick off Stuart Broad. ALSO READ: Mitchell Starc becomes first bowler to pick 50 wickets with pink ball in Day-Night Test Buttler's celebrations were short-lived when he incredibly missed a regulation catch off Smith the very next ball, in a blunder reminiscent of the two sitters he put down from Labuschagne in the first innings. But he soon went from villain to hero again by taking another fine diving catch to remove Smith for six off Ollie Robinson. Head played at a rapid clip to reach an eighth Test half-century from 49 balls, but then pulled Robinson to Ben Stokes in the deep. Labuschagne took 96 balls to reach his 50 but also holed out to Stokes, becoming part-time spinner Malan's first Test wicket, before late cameos ahead of the declaration.

Ashes 2nd Test, Day 4: Richardson, Starc strike to put Australia in closing distance of another big win

The left-arm Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers as the hosts bowled out England for a 236 in the first innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match played being at Adelaide.

The Aussies took a massive 237-run first innings lead in the Day-Night Test match. Starc made the most of the Pink ball picking up 4 wickets.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2nd-test-day-3-hosts-in-full-control-after-starc-and-lyon-wreak-havoc-to-bundle-out-england-for-236-437960">Ashes 2nd Test, Day 3: Hosts in full control after Starc and Lyon wreak havoc to bundle out England for 236</a>

Starc gave Australia the first breakthrough dismissing opener Rory Burns in the last session of day-2. He also got the prized scalp of Dawid Malan for 80 who at one point looked on course for a century.

The left-arm pacer was in no mood to stop as he then dismissed wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler to take his third wicket of the innings and wrapped up the English tail dismissing Stuart Broad to end up with figures of 4 for 37 in his 16 overs and in-process becoming the first bowler in the history of international cricket to pick 50 wickets with the Pink ball in the Day-Night Test match.

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Australia have a perfect record in Day-Night Tests winning all the eight matches they have played so far and they are looking on course for yet another win.

Credit to Australia's success with the ball goes to the Pink ball master Starc as he has been their most consistent performer picking up 50 wickets and becoming the first international bowler to do so.

The left-arm Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers as the hosts bowled out England for a 236 in the first innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match played being at Adelaide.

The left-arm Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers as the hosts bowled out England for a 236 in the first innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match played being at Adelaide. The Aussies took a massive 237-run first innings lead in the Day-Night Test match. Starc made the most of the Pink ball picking up 4 wickets. ALSO READ: Ashes 2nd Test, Day 3: Hosts in full control after Starc and Lyon wreak havoc to bundle out England for 236 Starc gave Australia the first breakthrough dismissing opener Rory Burns in the last session of day-2. He also got the prized scalp of Dawid Malan for 80 who at one point looked on course for a century. The left-arm pacer was in no mood to stop as he then dismissed wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler to take his third wicket of the innings and wrapped up the English tail dismissing Stuart Broad to end up with figures of 4 for 37 in his 16 overs and in-process becoming the first bowler in the history of international cricket to pick 50 wickets with the Pink ball in the Day-Night Test match. ALSO READ: KL Rahul to be India's vice-captain for South Africa Test series in Rohit Sharma's absence - Report Australia have a perfect record in Day-Night Tests winning all the eight matches they have played so far and they are looking on course for yet another win. Credit to Australia's success with the ball goes to the Pink ball master Starc as he has been their most consistent performer picking up 50 wickets and becoming the first international bowler to do so.

Mitchell Starc becomes first bowler to pick 50 wickets with pink ball in Day-Night Tests

England were spared the ignominy of the follow-on but Australia appeared on course for victory after dominating day three of the day-night second Ashes test at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Spearheading Australia's pace attack, depleted by the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc combined with spinner Nathan Lyon to bundle out England for 236.

The hosts, who had declared their first innings on 473-9, finished the day on 45-1 for an overall lead of 282 and looking primed to go 2-0 up in the five-test series.

Marcus Harris was batting on 21, having featured in a mix-up that resulted in opening partner David Warner's run out for 13.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-to-be-indias-vice-captain-for-south-africa-test-series-in-rohit-sharmas-absence-report-437908">KL Rahul to be India's vice-captain for South Africa Test series in Rohit Sharma's absence - Report</a>

Debutant Michael Neser, replacing Cummins who missed out for being a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, was on two in his nightwatchman's role.

The day had begun so brightly for England with Joe Root and Dawid Malan sharing an unbeaten 138 during the first session but the wheels came off their innings soon after the dinner break.

Cameron Green broke the stand when he had Root, who made 62, caught by Australia stand-in skipper Steve Smith at first slip.

It was a ball Root could have left and the England captain was furious with himself as he walked off after falling short again of his first century in Australia.

It soon got worse for England as Malan, who scored 80, slashed a Starc (4-37) delivery that he should have left with Smith taking that catch too.

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Ollie Pope (five) survived a review but squeezed a Lyon (3-58) delivery to Marnus Labuschagne fielding close in and, moments later, Jos Buttler fell for a duck to Starc.

Lyon also dismissed Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson as England, cruising at 150-2, lost their last eight wickets for 86 runs.

Failure to take more than one wicket in the late night session, considered a pace bowler`s best time in a pink-ball test, only compounded England’s misery after an abject batting display.

England were spared the ignominy of the follow-on but Australia appeared on course for victory after dominating day three of the day-night second Ashes test at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

England were spared the ignominy of the follow-on but Australia appeared on course for victory after dominating day three of the day-night second Ashes test at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday. Spearheading Australia's pace attack, depleted by the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc combined with spinner Nathan Lyon to bundle out England for 236. The hosts, who had declared their first innings on 473-9, finished the day on 45-1 for an overall lead of 282 and looking primed to go 2-0 up in the five-test series. Marcus Harris was batting on 21, having featured in a mix-up that resulted in opening partner David Warner's run out for 13. ALSO READ: KL Rahul to be India's vice-captain for South Africa Test series in Rohit Sharma's absence - Report Debutant Michael Neser, replacing Cummins who missed out for being a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, was on two in his nightwatchman's role. The day had begun so brightly for England with Joe Root and Dawid Malan sharing an unbeaten 138 during the first session but the wheels came off their innings soon after the dinner break. Cameron Green broke the stand when he had Root, who made 62, caught by Australia stand-in skipper Steve Smith at first slip. It was a ball Root could have left and the England captain was furious with himself as he walked off after falling short again of his first century in Australia. It soon got worse for England as Malan, who scored 80, slashed a Starc (4-37) delivery that he should have left with Smith taking that catch too. ALSO READ: Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi, Sachin Tendulkar to be named most-admired sportsperson in the world Ollie Pope (five) survived a review but squeezed a Lyon (3-58) delivery to Marnus Labuschagne fielding close in and, moments later, Jos Buttler fell for a duck to Starc. Lyon also dismissed Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson as England, cruising at 150-2, lost their last eight wickets for 86 runs. Failure to take more than one wicket in the late night session, considered a pace bowler`s best time in a pink-ball test, only compounded England’s misery after an abject batting display.

Ashes 2nd Test, Day 3: Hosts in full control after Starc and Lyon wreak havoc to bundle out England for 236

The Joe Root-led England Test team are tottering in the ongoing Ashes 2021/22 edition Down Under. Losing the first Test by a whopping 9-wicket margin versus Pat Cummins-led Australia, the English line-up saw five crucial&nbsp;points being deducted from their tally for slow over-rate at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Nonetheless, the visiting side have been dealt with a bigger blow as three more points have been deducted from as it has been found out that they were eight overs short of the mark post the Brisbane Test (according to the ICC). Hence, Root &amp; Co. have now lost a total of ten points due to slow over-rate in the second cycle of the WTC. For the unversed, England had earlier been penalised for the same reason during their home series versus Virat Kohli-led Team India in August-September.&nbsp;

Following England's points getting deducted further, here's the updated WTC points table that sees Sri Lanka, Australia, Pakistan and India as&nbsp;the top four-ranked sides. England are now languishing at the seventh place, above lowly-ranked Bangladesh.

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<img alt="Updated WTC Points Table" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d58ad6e-494f-4056-a1b8-50e2c4464d44" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC.PNG" />

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England now have only six points from five&nbsp;Tests in the ongoing second cycle of the WTC. "England were eight overs short (not five overs short as previously announced) but were only fined 100 per cent of their match fee due to the limit,” the ICC said.

"However, the points deduction for penalty overs is not capped and must reflect the actual number of penalty overs a team is short of the minimum requirement as per Clause 16.1.2 of the ICC Playing Conditions, hence they have been penalised one point for each over they were short," it added.

Talking about Ashes 2021's second Test, Australia are in the driver's seat after posting 473 for 9 declared. In reply, England went to stumps on Day 2 being 17 for 2 in the day-night contest at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.

More changes are expected in the WTC points table following the upcoming New Zealand-Bangladesh and India-South Africa Test series.

The Joe Root-led England Test team are tottering in the ongoing Ashes 2021/22 edition Down Under. Losing the first Test by a whopping 9-wicket margin versus Pat Cummins-led Australia, the English line-up saw five crucial points being deducted from their tally for slow over-rate at The Gabba, Brisbane.

The Joe Root-led England Test team are tottering in the ongoing Ashes 2021/22 edition Down Under. Losing the first Test by a whopping 9-wicket margin versus Pat Cummins-led Australia, the English line-up saw five crucial points being deducted from their tally for slow over-rate at The Gabba, Brisbane. Nonetheless, the visiting side have been dealt with a bigger blow as three more points have been deducted from as it has been found out that they were eight overs short of the mark post the Brisbane Test (according to the ICC). Hence, Root & Co. have now lost a total of ten points due to slow over-rate in the second cycle of the WTC. For the unversed, England had earlier been penalised for the same reason during their home series versus Virat Kohli-led Team India in August-September. Following England's points getting deducted further, here's the updated WTC points table that sees Sri Lanka, Australia, Pakistan and India as the top four-ranked sides. England are now languishing at the seventh place, above lowly-ranked Bangladesh. ALSO READ | Ashes 2021: 'They haven't got a clue with selections', Ian Chappell reacts to England's struggles ALSO READ | We may see Virat Kohli from two years ago slamming centuries after centuries, predicts Sunil Gavaskar England now have only six points from five Tests in the ongoing second cycle of the WTC. "England were eight overs short (not five overs short as previously announced) but were only fined 100 per cent of their match fee due to the limit,” the ICC said. "However, the points deduction for penalty overs is not capped and must reflect the actual number of penalty overs a team is short of the minimum requirement as per Clause 16.1.2 of the ICC Playing Conditions, hence they have been penalised one point for each over they were short," it added. Talking about Ashes 2021's second Test, Australia are in the driver's seat after posting 473 for 9 declared. In reply, England went to stumps on Day 2 being 17 for 2 in the day-night contest at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. More changes are expected in the WTC points table following the upcoming New Zealand-Bangladesh and India-South Africa Test series.

Updated World Test Championship points table as England penalised for slow over-rate in Ashes opener

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has come down hard on England, saying that they are again behind in the second Ashes Test against Australia due to their selections. 
 
At stumps on day two, England are 17/2 in 8.4 overs and trail Australia by 456 runs at the Adelaide Oval. 
 
"They haven't got a clue with selections; they haven't got it right yet. They always seem to be behind the game with their selections and that's the case again. They haven't had much luck, you can certainly say that - it (the weather) came at the right time for England, it wasn't fun batting out there. That`s exactly what Australia wanted, to be bowling with the brand new ball in the evening and there's no doubt it swings more," Chappell was quoted as saying by Wide World of Sports.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-2nd-test-marnus-labuschagne-achieves-rare-feat-with-another-hundred-in-day-night-contest-437620">Ashes 2021, 2nd Test: Marnus Labuschagne achieves rare feat with another hundred in day-night contest</a> 
 
England were sent into bat after fielding for 150.4 overs as Australia declared their first innings at 473/9. Chappell pointed out that England don't have much confidence in their spinners, leading them to pick an all-pace attack in Adelaide. 
 
"You couldn't pick Leach, he bowled very badly in Brisbane. England have got a real problem going forward with their spin bowling. I think Dom Bess has got a bit about him, but they ruined his confidence in India and who knows how long it will take to build that back up? 
 
"I think they need to take a punt on Dom Bess and he doesn't need a technical talk, he just needs someone to say `spin the bloody thing and get us some wickets'. But I don`t think England will do that. They seem like they`re almost averse to taking wickets," he said. 
 
The 78-year-old mentioned that if England don't get big runs with the bat on day three, they will be pushed out of winning the match.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-ponting-accurately-predicts-cameron-greens-dismissal-as-ben-stokes-cleans-him-up-with-a-jaffa-watch-437640">Ashes: Ponting accurately predicts Cameron Green's dismissal as Ben Stokes cleans him up with a jaffa - WATCH</a> 
 
"England have got to get runs, that`s been their problem. But if you're going to keep conceding 400 runs every time you bowl, you won't win many Test matches. They've got problems all around, at the moment. I'm not sure why Root wants to come in at two for not many when he may as well come in at one for not many. Ben Stokes has to play really well, and there'll be a Test or two where he does, but they need him to do it here," Chappell said.

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has come down hard on England, saying that they are again behind in the second Ashes Test against Australia due to their selections.

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has come down hard on England, saying that they are again behind in the second Ashes Test against Australia due to their selections. At stumps on day two, England are 17/2 in 8.4 overs and trail Australia by 456 runs at the Adelaide Oval. "They haven't got a clue with selections; they haven't got it right yet. They always seem to be behind the game with their selections and that's the case again. They haven't had much luck, you can certainly say that - it (the weather) came at the right time for England, it wasn't fun batting out there. That`s exactly what Australia wanted, to be bowling with the brand new ball in the evening and there's no doubt it swings more," Chappell was quoted as saying by Wide World of Sports. ALSO READ: Ashes 2021, 2nd Test: Marnus Labuschagne achieves rare feat with another hundred in day-night contest England were sent into bat after fielding for 150.4 overs as Australia declared their first innings at 473/9. Chappell pointed out that England don't have much confidence in their spinners, leading them to pick an all-pace attack in Adelaide. "You couldn't pick Leach, he bowled very badly in Brisbane. England have got a real problem going forward with their spin bowling. I think Dom Bess has got a bit about him, but they ruined his confidence in India and who knows how long it will take to build that back up? "I think they need to take a punt on Dom Bess and he doesn't need a technical talk, he just needs someone to say `spin the bloody thing and get us some wickets'. But I don`t think England will do that. They seem like they`re almost averse to taking wickets," he said. The 78-year-old mentioned that if England don't get big runs with the bat on day three, they will be pushed out of winning the match. ALSO READ: Ashes: Ponting accurately predicts Cameron Green's dismissal as Ben Stokes cleans him up with a jaffa - WATCH "England have got to get runs, that`s been their problem. But if you're going to keep conceding 400 runs every time you bowl, you won't win many Test matches. They've got problems all around, at the moment. I'm not sure why Root wants to come in at two for not many when he may as well come in at one for not many. Ben Stokes has to play really well, and there'll be a Test or two where he does, but they need him to do it here," Chappell said.

Ashes 2021: 'They haven't got a clue with selections', Ian Chappell reacts to England's struggles

Australia declared their first innings on 473-9 and then reduced England to 17-2 after a near-flawless evening session to take charge of the day-night second Ashes test on Friday.

Stand-in skipper Steve Smith fell agonisingly short of his hundred but Alex Carey smashed 51 and lower-order batsmen Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc produced breezy cameos before they declared their innings.

England lost both their openers cheaply before bad weather brought the second day's play to an early close at the Adelaide Oval.

England captain Joe Root was batting on five and Dawid Malan on one with the tourists facing an uphill task to stay alive in the pink-ball contest.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-ponting-accurately-predicts-cameron-greens-dismissal-as-ben-stokes-cleans-him-up-with-a-jaffa-watch-437640">Ashes: Ponting accurately predicts Cameron Green's dismissal as Ben Stokes cleans him up with a jaffa - WATCH</a>

Earlier, England brought out the big guns, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, to open the bowling on a hot and overcast day.

Australia began cautiously with Marnus Labuschagne finally clinching his sixth test century after 54 balls in the nervous nineties.

Two balls later, it looked all over as the 27-year-old was caught behind but television footage showed bowler Ollie Robinson`s foot was fractionally over the crease and the batsman, who had been dropped twice during his knock, was recalled.

One run later, however, Robinson had his revenge, trapping Labuschagne lbw for 103 off 305 balls.

Travis Head made 18 before Joe Root bowled him and Ben Stokes claimed his second wicket when he pegged back the off-stump of Cameron Green (two).

Carey got his fifty but Smith, leading the side in the absence of Pat Cummins who missed the test having been a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, fell lbw to James Anderson after a patient 93.

It was an enthralling post-tea spell, more T20 than test cricket, for the crowd who had sat through a largely slow and predictable two days.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-2nd-test-marnus-labuschagne-achieves-rare-feat-with-another-hundred-in-day-night-contest-437620">Marnus Labuschagne achieves rare feat with another hundred in 2nd Ashes Test</a>

Michael Neser, on his test debut, blasted 35 off 24 balls while Starc remained not out after a run-a-ball 39.

The onslaught meant that England openers Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed took to the field with a previously-dulled crowd now whipped into a frenzy.

Australia fielded aggressively against both batsmen with four slips and just one player on the boundary.

Burns (four) fell first, to Starc, with Smith taking the catch at second slip.

Neser made it a session to remember by clinching his maiden test wicket, as Hameed (six) was caught by Starc at mid on.

Australia declared their first innings on 473-9 and then reduced England to 17-2 after a near-flawless evening session to take charge of the day-night second Ashes test on Friday.

Australia declared their first innings on 473-9 and then reduced England to 17-2 after a near-flawless evening session to take charge of the day-night second Ashes test on Friday. Stand-in skipper Steve Smith fell agonisingly short of his hundred but Alex Carey smashed 51 and lower-order batsmen Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc produced breezy cameos before they declared their innings. England lost both their openers cheaply before bad weather brought the second day's play to an early close at the Adelaide Oval. England captain Joe Root was batting on five and Dawid Malan on one with the tourists facing an uphill task to stay alive in the pink-ball contest. ALSO READ: Ashes: Ponting accurately predicts Cameron Green's dismissal as Ben Stokes cleans him up with a jaffa - WATCH Earlier, England brought out the big guns, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, to open the bowling on a hot and overcast day. Australia began cautiously with Marnus Labuschagne finally clinching his sixth test century after 54 balls in the nervous nineties. Two balls later, it looked all over as the 27-year-old was caught behind but television footage showed bowler Ollie Robinson`s foot was fractionally over the crease and the batsman, who had been dropped twice during his knock, was recalled. One run later, however, Robinson had his revenge, trapping Labuschagne lbw for 103 off 305 balls. Travis Head made 18 before Joe Root bowled him and Ben Stokes claimed his second wicket when he pegged back the off-stump of Cameron Green (two). Carey got his fifty but Smith, leading the side in the absence of Pat Cummins who missed the test having been a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, fell lbw to James Anderson after a patient 93. It was an enthralling post-tea spell, more T20 than test cricket, for the crowd who had sat through a largely slow and predictable two days. Also Read: Marnus Labuschagne achieves rare feat with another hundred in 2nd Ashes Test Michael Neser, on his test debut, blasted 35 off 24 balls while Starc remained not out after a run-a-ball 39. The onslaught meant that England openers Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed took to the field with a previously-dulled crowd now whipped into a frenzy. Australia fielded aggressively against both batsmen with four slips and just one player on the boundary. Burns (four) fell first, to Starc, with Smith taking the catch at second slip. Neser made it a session to remember by clinching his maiden test wicket, as Hameed (six) was caught by Starc at mid on.

Ashes 2nd Test, Day 2: Bowlers strike early to put Australia in front after Smith, Carey's fifties

Australia continued to dominate the proceedings on Day 2 of the ongoing second Ashes Test against England after a great start on the&nbsp;opening day. Resuming their innings from 221/2 on Day 2, the Aussie batters continued their dominant run and took the England bowlers to the cleaners in the pink-ball encounter. While Marnus Labuschagne notched up his century, Steve Smith (93) and Alex Carey (51) helped Australia cross the 400-run mark comfortably.

England did manage to stage a brief fightback on Day 2 when they picked three wickets in the afternoon session of play. Labuschagne, Travis Head and Cameron Green were all dismissed in quick succession leaving Australia in a spot of bother before Smith and Carey combined to put on a 91-run stand for the sixth wicket and steady the ship for the hosts.

All-rounder Green was dismissed for just 2 runs after being cleaned by Ben Stokes and his dismissal was accurately predicted by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting in the commentary box. Ponting, who is commentating for 7Cricket in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22, had said the deliveries will be straighter for Green as he had&nbsp;a very open front foot.

Stokes did exactly that and bowled a jaffa to beat the right-hander's defence and shatter his stumps. It was a brilliant delivery from the England all-rounder and even better analysis from Ponting, who saw in advance what was coming for Green.

"A very distinct change of tactics now for Cam Green. They will be a lot fuller and lot straighter, they will target his stumps. He sets up with a very open front foot, that is generally a sign of someone worried about LBW and does not want their front foot too far across in the line of the stumps," Ponting said on air before Stokes cleaned up Green.

Watch video:

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"A very distinct change of tactics now for Cam Green - they'll get a lot fuller and a lot straighter, they'll target his stumps." 
 
- Ricky Ponting, right as Ben Stokes runs in and ... bowls Green <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/wPTV9kDE1Y">pic.twitter.com/wPTV9kDE1Y</a>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-2nd-test-marnus-labuschagne-achieves-rare-feat-with-another-hundred-in-day-night-contest-437620">Marnus Labuschagne achieves rare feat with another hundred in 2nd Ashes Test</a>

Despite losing Green (2) and Head (18) cheaply, Australia managed to post a strong total of 473/9 on the board before declaring their innings to invite England for their first innings. Australia would be hoping to bundle out the visitors quickly and gain a healthy lead heading into their second innings.

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Australia continued to dominate the proceedings on Day 2 of the ongoing second Ashes Test against England after a great start on the opening day. Resuming their innings from 221/2 on Day 2, the Aussie batters continued their dominant run and took the England bowlers to the cleaners in the pink-ball encounter.

Australia continued to dominate the proceedings on Day 2 of the ongoing second Ashes Test against England after a great start on the opening day. Resuming their innings from 221/2 on Day 2, the Aussie batters continued their dominant run and took the England bowlers to the cleaners in the pink-ball encounter. While Marnus Labuschagne notched up his century, Steve Smith (93) and Alex Carey (51) helped Australia cross the 400-run mark comfortably. England did manage to stage a brief fightback on Day 2 when they picked three wickets in the afternoon session of play. Labuschagne, Travis Head and Cameron Green were all dismissed in quick succession leaving Australia in a spot of bother before Smith and Carey combined to put on a 91-run stand for the sixth wicket and steady the ship for the hosts. All-rounder Green was dismissed for just 2 runs after being cleaned by Ben Stokes and his dismissal was accurately predicted by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting in the commentary box. Ponting, who is commentating for 7Cricket in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22, had said the deliveries will be straighter for Green as he had a very open front foot. Stokes did exactly that and bowled a jaffa to beat the right-hander's defence and shatter his stumps. It was a brilliant delivery from the England all-rounder and even better analysis from Ponting, who saw in advance what was coming for Green. "A very distinct change of tactics now for Cam Green. They will be a lot fuller and lot straighter, they will target his stumps. He sets up with a very open front foot, that is generally a sign of someone worried about LBW and does not want their front foot too far across in the line of the stumps," Ponting said on air before Stokes cleaned up Green. Watch video: "A very distinct change of tactics now for Cam Green - they'll get a lot fuller and a lot straighter, they'll target his stumps." - Ricky Ponting, right as Ben Stokes runs in and ... bowls Green #Ashes pic.twitter.com/wPTV9kDE1Y — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 17, 2021 × Also Read: Marnus Labuschagne achieves rare feat with another hundred in 2nd Ashes Test Despite losing Green (2) and Head (18) cheaply, Australia managed to post a strong total of 473/9 on the board before declaring their innings to invite England for their first innings. Australia would be hoping to bundle out the visitors quickly and gain a healthy lead heading into their second innings.

Ashes: Ponting accurately predicts Cameron Green's dismissal as Ben Stokes cleans him up with a jaffa - WATCH

Marnus Labuschagne has been a revelation for Australia. He walked out to bat as the concussion substitute for Steve Smith during the Ashes 2019 in the United Kingdom. Since then, he has been a regular in the Test line-up and has impressed one and all with his consistency and hunger for runs.&nbsp;

After an impressive fifty in the Ashes 2021/22 opener, at The Gabba, Brisbane, the right-hander slammed his sixth hundred on Day 2 of the second Test, i.e. a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Friday (December 17). Labuschagne rode on his luck throughout the innings as he was given a reprieve twice on the opening day, got an edge off James Anderson to reach to triple-figures and was also caught off Ollie Robinson all the way to the boundary rope before replays suggested it was a no-ball.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, the youngster made the most of his chances and notched up his third century in day-night Test; first by any player. Thus, Labuschagne achieved a rare feat courtesy his knock, filled with 8 fours. Apart from Labuschagne, David Warner (95), stand-in captain Steve Smith (93) and Alex Carey (51) have propelled the Aussie total beyond the 400-run mark&nbsp;after opting to bat first.&nbsp;

On Day 1, Labuschagne had also crossed the 2000-run mark in Tests, becoming the third quickest Australian and fifth overall to the feat.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/buttler-dropping-that-was-unbelievable-labuschagne-on-getting-a-reprieve-on-95-on-day-1-of-2nd-test-437465">Buttler dropping that was unbelievable: Labuschagne on getting a reprieve on 95 on Day 1 of 2nd Test</a>

For the unversed, Australia are without their regular captain Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the second Test after being identified as a close contact of a Covid case. Following their splendid performance in the series opener, where Australia won by 9 wickets, the Smith-led hosts will look to make it 2-0 versus the English line-up.&nbsp;

Marnus Labuschagne has been a revelation for Australia. He walked out to bat as the concussion substitute for Steve Smith during the Ashes 2019 in the United Kingdom.

Marnus Labuschagne has been a revelation for Australia. He walked out to bat as the concussion substitute for Steve Smith during the Ashes 2019 in the United Kingdom. Since then, he has been a regular in the Test line-up and has impressed one and all with his consistency and hunger for runs. After an impressive fifty in the Ashes 2021/22 opener, at The Gabba, Brisbane, the right-hander slammed his sixth hundred on Day 2 of the second Test, i.e. a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Friday (December 17). Labuschagne rode on his luck throughout the innings as he was given a reprieve twice on the opening day, got an edge off James Anderson to reach to triple-figures and was also caught off Ollie Robinson all the way to the boundary rope before replays suggested it was a no-ball. Nonetheless, the youngster made the most of his chances and notched up his third century in day-night Test; first by any player. Thus, Labuschagne achieved a rare feat courtesy his knock, filled with 8 fours. Apart from Labuschagne, David Warner (95), stand-in captain Steve Smith (93) and Alex Carey (51) have propelled the Aussie total beyond the 400-run mark after opting to bat first. On Day 1, Labuschagne had also crossed the 2000-run mark in Tests, becoming the third quickest Australian and fifth overall to the feat. ALSO READ | Buttler dropping that was unbelievable: Labuschagne on getting a reprieve on 95 on Day 1 of 2nd Test For the unversed, Australia are without their regular captain Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the second Test after being identified as a close contact of a Covid case. Following their splendid performance in the series opener, where Australia won by 9 wickets, the Smith-led hosts will look to make it 2-0 versus the English line-up.

Ashes 2021, 2nd Test: Marnus Labuschagne achieves rare feat with another hundred in day-night contest

David Warner fell short of his century but Marnus Labuschagne remained on course for a hundred as they put Australia, missing regular skipper Pat Cummins, in a strong position against England in the day-night second Ashes test on Thursday.

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A hugely impressive day one for Australia with the bat! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1471443799159177216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Australia finished day one on 221-2 despite being jolted before the start of the match at Adelaide Oval with Cummins forced out after being identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/please-pay-attention-to-sa-tour-kapil-dev-schools-virat-kohli-following-his-explosive-press-conference-437409">Please pay attention to SA tour: Kapil Dev schools Virat Kohli following his explosive press conference</a>

With five overs remaining, Jos Buttler dropped a regulation catch off the bowling of James Anderson to offer a reprieve to Labuschagne, who remained not out on 95.

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An absolute sitter hits the deck as Labuschagne gets another life <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/QI3bDaIRRO">pic.twitter.com/QI3bDaIRRO</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1471439193221963782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Australia's stand-in skipper Steve Smith was on 18, becoming his country’s third captain - after Tim Paine and Cummins - in the last three tests.

England dominated the first session though they blew two reviews trying to get Warner, who made 95, dismissed.

Stuart Broad, recalled along with Anderson, removed Marcus Harris for three runs early on via a cracking catch from Buttler as a stuttering Australia failed to convince.

The first 10 overs yielded just 11 runs but slowly, the scorecard began to firm up with Warner, having recovered from bruised ribs incurred in the first test, forging a 172-run stand with Labuschagne.

But as England captain Joe Root brought himself into the attack to provide rest to his quicks, Warner appeared eager to up his scoring rate, an approach adopted equally by Labuschagne.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-will-deal-with-it-appropriately-sourav-ganguly-reacts-to-virat-kohlis-remark-on-odi-captaincy-row-437386">BCCI will deal with it appropriately: Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli's remark on ODI captaincy row</a>

Broad proved Warner's nemesis once more but this time as catcher, holding onto a slashed shot at cover off Ben Stokes.

England did not bowl badly but their five-man seam attack looked increasingly insipid as solid containment gave way to more hurried scoring from Australia before 32,328 fans at Adelaide Oval.

For Australia, pace bowler Michael Neser made his test debut replacing Cummins.

David Warner fell short of his century but Marnus Labuschagne remained on course for a hundred as they put Australia, missing regular skipper Pat Cummins, in a strong position against England in the day-night second Ashes test on Thursday.

David Warner fell short of his century but Marnus Labuschagne remained on course for a hundred as they put Australia, missing regular skipper Pat Cummins, in a strong position against England in the day-night second Ashes test on Thursday. A hugely impressive day one for Australia with the bat! #Ashes — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2021 × Australia finished day one on 221-2 despite being jolted before the start of the match at Adelaide Oval with Cummins forced out after being identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. ALSO READ: Please pay attention to SA tour: Kapil Dev schools Virat Kohli following his explosive press conference With five overs remaining, Jos Buttler dropped a regulation catch off the bowling of James Anderson to offer a reprieve to Labuschagne, who remained not out on 95. An absolute sitter hits the deck as Labuschagne gets another life #Ashes pic.twitter.com/QI3bDaIRRO — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2021 × Australia's stand-in skipper Steve Smith was on 18, becoming his country’s third captain - after Tim Paine and Cummins - in the last three tests. England dominated the first session though they blew two reviews trying to get Warner, who made 95, dismissed. Stuart Broad, recalled along with Anderson, removed Marcus Harris for three runs early on via a cracking catch from Buttler as a stuttering Australia failed to convince. The first 10 overs yielded just 11 runs but slowly, the scorecard began to firm up with Warner, having recovered from bruised ribs incurred in the first test, forging a 172-run stand with Labuschagne. But as England captain Joe Root brought himself into the attack to provide rest to his quicks, Warner appeared eager to up his scoring rate, an approach adopted equally by Labuschagne. ALSO READ | BCCI will deal with it appropriately: Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli's remark on ODI captaincy row Broad proved Warner's nemesis once more but this time as catcher, holding onto a slashed shot at cover off Ben Stokes. England did not bowl badly but their five-man seam attack looked increasingly insipid as solid containment gave way to more hurried scoring from Australia before 32,328 fans at Adelaide Oval. For Australia, pace bowler Michael Neser made his test debut replacing Cummins.

Ashes, 2nd Test Day 1: David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne's fifties put Australia in command at stumps

Jos Buttler took an absolute screamer in the first session of the opening day of Ashes 2021/22 edition on Thursday (December 16). With Stuart Broad bowling the eighth over, after Australia elected to bat first, the experienced pacer dropped it short and towards the leg side of opener Marcus Harris. Harris got an edge and the ball flew towards the keeper as Buttler&nbsp;timed his dive towards the right and covered some distance to hold onto the catch.

At one point, it looked like the ball would cross Buttler and reach the fence. However, the 31-year-old stunned one and all and produced a brilliant effort to get rid of Harris for cheap. Here's the video of Buttler's wonderful catch which was shared by cricket.com.au's official Twitter handle.

The caption read, "INSANE! Buttler pulls in an all-timer behind the stumps!"

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-why-is-pat-cummins-is-out-of-2nd-ashes-test-as-steve-smith-leads-aussies-in-dn-contest-437308">EXPLAINED! Why is Pat Cummins is out of 2nd Ashes Test as Steve Smith leads Aussies in D/N contest</a>

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INSANE! Buttler pulls in an all-timer behind the stumps! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/v96UgK42ce">pic.twitter.com/v96UgK42ce</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1471339065341399043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-australian-cricketer-michael-slater-arrested-and-charged-in-case-of-stalking-and-harassment-437165">Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater arrested and charged in case of stalking and harassment</a>

The second Test, of Ashes 2021/22, is oncourse with Australia off to a good start following Harris' early dismissal. David Warner (95) and Marcus Labuschagne's 100-run stand, for the second-wicket, have kept the Aussies ahead.&nbsp;

For the unversed, Australia are without their regular captain Pat Cummins in the second Test. Cummins has been ruled out after being identified as a close contact of a Covid case. Hence, Steve Smith is leading the side for the first time following the infamous sandpaper gate fiasco, which led to his sacking as Australia captain across formats.

Jos Buttler took an absolute screamer in the first session of the opening day of Ashes 2021/22 edition on Thursday (December 16). With Stuart Broad bowling the eighth over, after Australia elected to bat first, the experienced pacer dropped it short and towards the leg side of opener Marcus Harris.

Jos Buttler took an absolute screamer in the first session of the opening day of Ashes 2021/22 edition on Thursday (December 16). With Stuart Broad bowling the eighth over, after Australia elected to bat first, the experienced pacer dropped it short and towards the leg side of opener Marcus Harris. Harris got an edge and the ball flew towards the keeper as Buttler timed his dive towards the right and covered some distance to hold onto the catch. At one point, it looked like the ball would cross Buttler and reach the fence. However, the 31-year-old stunned one and all and produced a brilliant effort to get rid of Harris for cheap. Here's the video of Buttler's wonderful catch which was shared by cricket.com.au's official Twitter handle. The caption read, "INSANE! Buttler pulls in an all-timer behind the stumps!" ALSO READ | EXPLAINED! Why is Pat Cummins is out of 2nd Ashes Test as Steve Smith leads Aussies in D/N contest INSANE! Buttler pulls in an all-timer behind the stumps! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/v96UgK42ce — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2021 × ALSO READ | Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater arrested and charged in case of stalking and harassment The second Test, of Ashes 2021/22, is oncourse with Australia off to a good start following Harris' early dismissal. David Warner (95) and Marcus Labuschagne's 100-run stand, for the second-wicket, have kept the Aussies ahead. For the unversed, Australia are without their regular captain Pat Cummins in the second Test. Cummins has been ruled out after being identified as a close contact of a Covid case. Hence, Steve Smith is leading the side for the first time following the infamous sandpaper gate fiasco, which led to his sacking as Australia captain across formats.

Is that a bird? No it's Jos Buttler! England keeper takes a stunner on Day 1 of 2nd Ashes Test - Watch

Australia and England have locked horns with each other in the second Test of Ashes 2021/22 edition, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Thursday (December 16). After Australia thrashed England by 9 wickets in the series opener at The Gabba, Brisbane, the hosts are hot favourites to win the second Test, which is a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, but were dealt with a major blow with skipper Pat Cummins being ruled out.

Cummins isn't injured but had to miss out after being identified as a&nbsp;close contact of a Covid case.&nbsp;Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the reports and said in a statement, "(He) did not breach any biosecurity protocols. He isolated as soon as he became aware of the situation and has since had a PCR test, which produced a negative result. SA Health has confirmed that Cummins is a close contact and will be required to isolate for seven days."

For the unversed, CA claimed that pacer Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon were dining at the same restaurant as Cummins, however, were at a separate table outdoors. Hence, they have been deemed casual contacts and are part of the 2nd Test.

Thus, Steve Smith has replaced Cummins as the Aussie skipper for the day-night contest.&nbsp;Smith is leading the national side for the first time ever since he was removed from the top post after the infamous sandpaper gate fiasco in early 2018.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-australian-cricketer-michael-slater-arrested-and-charged-in-case-of-stalking-and-harassment-437165">Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater arrested and charged in case of stalking and harassment</a>

Cummins tweeted saying, "Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!"

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Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) <a href="https://twitter.com/patcummins30/status/1471302140597456896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Smith said at the coin toss, "We are going to have a bat. I think you can control the game if you bat first. Huge honour (to lead Australia again). Feel for Patty for missing this game. Hopefully we can have a good week. He just wished me good luck and said it's your team go well. Excited for Jhye and Michael Neser."

Cummins had led from the front in his maiden outing as the full-time Test captain in the series opener, with a seven-wicket haul in the contest. He will be gutted to miss out but hope for the Aussies to make it 2-0 before he returns to action in the upcoming Tests.

Australia and England have locked horns with each other in the second Test of Ashes 2021/22 edition, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Thursday (December 16). After Australia thrashed England by 9 wickets in the series opener at The Gabba, Brisbane, the hosts are hot favourites to win the second Test, which is a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, but were dealt with a major blow with skipper Pat Cummins being ruled out.

Australia and England have locked horns with each other in the second Test of Ashes 2021/22 edition, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Thursday (December 16). After Australia thrashed England by 9 wickets in the series opener at The Gabba, Brisbane, the hosts are hot favourites to win the second Test, which is a day-night contest at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, but were dealt with a major blow with skipper Pat Cummins being ruled out. Cummins isn't injured but had to miss out after being identified as a close contact of a Covid case. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the reports and said in a statement, "(He) did not breach any biosecurity protocols. He isolated as soon as he became aware of the situation and has since had a PCR test, which produced a negative result. SA Health has confirmed that Cummins is a close contact and will be required to isolate for seven days." For the unversed, CA claimed that pacer Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon were dining at the same restaurant as Cummins, however, were at a separate table outdoors. Hence, they have been deemed casual contacts and are part of the 2nd Test. Thus, Steve Smith has replaced Cummins as the Aussie skipper for the day-night contest. Smith is leading the national side for the first time ever since he was removed from the top post after the infamous sandpaper gate fiasco in early 2018. ALSO READ | Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater arrested and charged in case of stalking and harassment Cummins tweeted saying, "Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!" Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along! — Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) December 16, 2021 × ALSO READ | Ravindra Jadeja shuns Test retirement rumours in style courtesy a fitting post on Twitter Meanwhile, Smith said at the coin toss, "We are going to have a bat. I think you can control the game if you bat first. Huge honour (to lead Australia again). Feel for Patty for missing this game. Hopefully we can have a good week. He just wished me good luck and said it's your team go well. Excited for Jhye and Michael Neser." Cummins had led from the front in his maiden outing as the full-time Test captain in the series opener, with a seven-wicket haul in the contest. He will be gutted to miss out but hope for the Aussies to make it 2-0 before he returns to action in the upcoming Tests.

EXPLAINED! Why is Pat Cummins is out of 2nd Ashes Test as Steve Smith leads Aussies in D/N contest

Australia thrashed England by nine wickets in the series-opener of Ashes 2021-22 to get off to a winning start at The Gabba and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. It was a dominant performance from the Aussies, who proved yet again why Gabba is known as their fortress. Australia will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they take on England in the second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide beginning from Thursday.

Ahead of the start of the second Test, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has made a bold prediction about Ashes 2021-22, backing Australia to register a 5-0 clean sweep against England. Lyon, who became the third Australian bowler to complete 400 Test wickets in the first Test against England, said there is no reason why the hosts can't pull off a 5-0 series win if they play the right brand of cricket.

“I do believe we can win 5-0 ... for sure. “I’ve never walked into a Test series thinking I’m going to go in there and lose a game. We’ll do everything we can. If we prepare well and play the right positive brand of cricket under our new captain, there’s no reason why we can’t win 5-0," Lyon told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“In saying that, England’s a classy outfit, and they’re going to challenge us here and there. With two pink-ball games now, we’re going to make sure we’re totally on our game," he added.

The second Test between the two sides in Adelaide is all set to be a pink-ball affair with England expected to go with an all-pace attack after left-arm spinner Jack Leach was taken to the cleaners in the first Test. Australia might also opt for only pacers in their bowling attack for the game, however, Lyon believes both teams should go with a spinner no matter how the wicket is.

“I’m always happy to play a spinner on no matter what wicket. The way I look at Test cricket, you just can’t pick your team for the first session of the Test. Test cricket is a long, challenging game, but I am expecting [Stuart] Broad and [Jimmy] Anderson to play," said Lyon.

"Whether they play a spinner or not, that’s not up to me. It is challenging but no doubt he’s a class bowler and he’ll bounce back. He’ll do his work and we need to make sure Australia is prepared. I don’t know what the Adelaide wicket is going to look like but I can guarantee it’ll be a cracking wicket in my eyes," he added.

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Australia also have an injury concern in the form of David Warner, who copped blows on his body while batting during the first Test and has 'severely bruised ribs'. However, he is expected to return to full fitness for the second Test in Adelaide and open the batting for the hosts.

Australia thrashed England by nine wickets in the series-opener of Ashes 2021-22 to get off to a winning start at The Gabba and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Australia thrashed England by nine wickets in the series-opener of Ashes 2021-22 to get off to a winning start at The Gabba and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. It was a dominant performance from the Aussies, who proved yet again why Gabba is known as their fortress. Australia will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they take on England in the second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide beginning from Thursday. Ahead of the start of the second Test, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has made a bold prediction about Ashes 2021-22, backing Australia to register a 5-0 clean sweep against England. Lyon, who became the third Australian bowler to complete 400 Test wickets in the first Test against England, said there is no reason why the hosts can't pull off a 5-0 series win if they play the right brand of cricket. “I do believe we can win 5-0 ... for sure. “I’ve never walked into a Test series thinking I’m going to go in there and lose a game. We’ll do everything we can. If we prepare well and play the right positive brand of cricket under our new captain, there’s no reason why we can’t win 5-0," Lyon told The Sydney Morning Herald. “In saying that, England’s a classy outfit, and they’re going to challenge us here and there. With two pink-ball games now, we’re going to make sure we’re totally on our game," he added. The second Test between the two sides in Adelaide is all set to be a pink-ball affair with England expected to go with an all-pace attack after left-arm spinner Jack Leach was taken to the cleaners in the first Test. Australia might also opt for only pacers in their bowling attack for the game, however, Lyon believes both teams should go with a spinner no matter how the wicket is. “I’m always happy to play a spinner on no matter what wicket. The way I look at Test cricket, you just can’t pick your team for the first session of the Test. Test cricket is a long, challenging game, but I am expecting [Stuart] Broad and [Jimmy] Anderson to play," said Lyon. "Whether they play a spinner or not, that’s not up to me. It is challenging but no doubt he’s a class bowler and he’ll bounce back. He’ll do his work and we need to make sure Australia is prepared. I don’t know what the Adelaide wicket is going to look like but I can guarantee it’ll be a cracking wicket in my eyes," he added. Also Read: David Warner's ribs are 'severely bruised' but should open in Adelaide: Travis Head Australia also have an injury concern in the form of David Warner, who copped blows on his body while batting during the first Test and has 'severely bruised ribs'. However, he is expected to return to full fitness for the second Test in Adelaide and open the batting for the hosts.

'We can win 5-0': Australian star makes bold Ashes prediction ahead of 2nd Test against England

England head coach Chris Silverwood has confirmed that pace bowling stalwarts James Anderson and Stuart Broad are available for selection for the second Ashes Test here from December 16, but he has "not told anyone they are playing yet". 
 
Silverwood and England captain Joe Root have been criticised for dropping the duo for the opening Ashes Test at Brisbane, which Australia won by nine wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series.

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Broad too seemed unhappy after being included in the 12-member squad the previous day and then being dropped on the morning of The Gabba Test. "It would be wrong in this scenario to kick up a stink. I've been left out on numerous occasions and sometimes it comes as a real surprise," Broad wrote in his column for Daily Mail after England`s defeat. 
 
On Sunday evening Silverwood said that, "They are available, yes. Jimmy (Anderson) will be fit and ready to go for the second Test, as will Stuart (Broad). But I have not told anyone they are playing yet. 
 
"The guys have already been training with the pink ball behind the scenes and what we have got is a very skilful set of bowlers. We have talent and we still have two of the best up our sleeve as well," Silverwood was quoted as saying by metro.co.uk. 
 
England had gone with pacers Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes and spinner Jack Leach in the Test at The Gabba. While the pace bowlers were economical to some extent, 30-year-old left-arm spinner Leach bled runs, conceding 102 in 13 overs at an economy rate of nearly eight.

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Silverwood said he was unfazed by the criticism and was willing to take responsibility for the big loss. 
 
"It is part of my role to take the criticism because the buck stops with me. I have no problem with that and it is how it should be, but we have to work with what we have got," he added.

England head coach Chris Silverwood has confirmed that pace bowling stalwarts James Anderson and Stuart Broad are available for selection for the second Ashes Test here from December 16, but he has "not told anyone they are playing yet".

England head coach Chris Silverwood has confirmed that pace bowling stalwarts James Anderson and Stuart Broad are available for selection for the second Ashes Test here from December 16, but he has "not told anyone they are playing yet". Silverwood and England captain Joe Root have been criticised for dropping the duo for the opening Ashes Test at Brisbane, which Australia won by nine wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series. ALSO READ: Ashes: Josh Hazlewood flies home, in race against time to be fit for 2nd Test against England Broad too seemed unhappy after being included in the 12-member squad the previous day and then being dropped on the morning of The Gabba Test. "It would be wrong in this scenario to kick up a stink. I've been left out on numerous occasions and sometimes it comes as a real surprise," Broad wrote in his column for Daily Mail after England`s defeat. On Sunday evening Silverwood said that, "They are available, yes. Jimmy (Anderson) will be fit and ready to go for the second Test, as will Stuart (Broad). But I have not told anyone they are playing yet. "The guys have already been training with the pink ball behind the scenes and what we have got is a very skilful set of bowlers. We have talent and we still have two of the best up our sleeve as well," Silverwood was quoted as saying by metro.co.uk. England had gone with pacers Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes and spinner Jack Leach in the Test at The Gabba. While the pace bowlers were economical to some extent, 30-year-old left-arm spinner Leach bled runs, conceding 102 in 13 overs at an economy rate of nearly eight. ALSO READ: Ashes: England penalised five WTC points for slow-over rate, Travis Head fined for 'audible obscenity' Silverwood said he was unfazed by the criticism and was willing to take responsibility for the big loss. "It is part of my role to take the criticism because the buck stops with me. I have no problem with that and it is how it should be, but we have to work with what we have got," he added.

Ashes 2021: James Anderson, Stuart Broad available for selection for second Test

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is now in a race against time to be fully fit for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide starting from December 16. Though Hazlewood hasn't been officially ruled out but if he isn`t available due to mild side strain picked in first Test, then back-up pacer Jhye Richardson could be drafted in his place. 
 
"Josh Hazlewood has been flown home to Sydney on Sunday as he faces a race against time to be fit for the second Vodafone Ashes Test after suffering a mild side strain during the nine-wicket win in Brisbane. The 30-year-old didn`t bowl on the third afternoon at the Gabba and was sent for a scan on Friday night which showed he was at least fit enough to bowl on Saturday," read a report from cricket.com.au on Sunday.

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Hazlewood becoming an injury concern came into light when he didn't bowl in the final session of day three during the first Ashes Test at The Gabba. The right-arm pacer returned to bowl six overs on day four and had Jos Buttler caught behind for 23 as Australia won by nine wickets. 
 
For Australia, losing Hazlewood's services will be a big blow ahead of the day-night encounter at the Adelaide Oval as has scalped 32 wickets at an average of 19.90 in pink-ball Tests. In last summer's pink-ball Test against India, Hazlewood was the chief architect of India being shot out for 36 in the second innings, picking 5/8 in just five overs. 
 
Captain Pat Cummins had said after the match that Hazlewood was a bit sore and that Australia will take time in deciding to make him play in second Test. 
 
"(It's) nothing too serious but didn't want it to turn into a huge injury. We don't want to put him in jeopardy for the whole series so we'll take our time. He's a little bit sore so we`re just managing him through -- it`s a five-Test match summer and he`s a key for us, so we don't want to blow him out on day two or three." 
 
If Hazlewood is unavailable for the Adelaide Test, then Jhye Richardson could be his likely replacement. The 25-year-old quick played two Tests against Sri Lanka early in 2019 and has been in outstanding form to start the Sheffield Shield season, picking 23 wickets at an average of 13.43 in four games for Western Australia.

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But Richardson will face tough competition from Queensland pacer Michael Neser, who took 5/29 and 2/36 in Australia A`s 112-run victory over the England Lions at the Ian Healy Oval. 
 
Player of the match in the first Test, Travis Head, wicketkeeper Alex Carey and opener David Warner, who is doubtful for the second Test due to rib injury, also flew out of Brisbane early on Sunday ahead of the main players group flying out on Monday to reunite with their families in Adelaide.

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is now in a race against time to be fully fit for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide starting from December 16. Though Hazlewood hasn't been officially ruled out but if he isn`t available due to mild side strain picked in first Test, then back-up pacer Jhye Richardson could be drafted in his place.

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is now in a race against time to be fully fit for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide starting from December 16. Though Hazlewood hasn't been officially ruled out but if he isn`t available due to mild side strain picked in first Test, then back-up pacer Jhye Richardson could be drafted in his place. "Josh Hazlewood has been flown home to Sydney on Sunday as he faces a race against time to be fit for the second Vodafone Ashes Test after suffering a mild side strain during the nine-wicket win in Brisbane. The 30-year-old didn`t bowl on the third afternoon at the Gabba and was sent for a scan on Friday night which showed he was at least fit enough to bowl on Saturday," read a report from cricket.com.au on Sunday. ALSO READ: Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer? MSK Prasad gives his take on middle-order conundrum ahead of SA series Hazlewood becoming an injury concern came into light when he didn't bowl in the final session of day three during the first Ashes Test at The Gabba. The right-arm pacer returned to bowl six overs on day four and had Jos Buttler caught behind for 23 as Australia won by nine wickets. For Australia, losing Hazlewood's services will be a big blow ahead of the day-night encounter at the Adelaide Oval as has scalped 32 wickets at an average of 19.90 in pink-ball Tests. In last summer's pink-ball Test against India, Hazlewood was the chief architect of India being shot out for 36 in the second innings, picking 5/8 in just five overs. Captain Pat Cummins had said after the match that Hazlewood was a bit sore and that Australia will take time in deciding to make him play in second Test. "(It's) nothing too serious but didn't want it to turn into a huge injury. We don't want to put him in jeopardy for the whole series so we'll take our time. He's a little bit sore so we`re just managing him through -- it`s a five-Test match summer and he`s a key for us, so we don't want to blow him out on day two or three." If Hazlewood is unavailable for the Adelaide Test, then Jhye Richardson could be his likely replacement. The 25-year-old quick played two Tests against Sri Lanka early in 2019 and has been in outstanding form to start the Sheffield Shield season, picking 23 wickets at an average of 13.43 in four games for Western Australia. ALSO READ: Ashes: England penalised five WTC points for slow-over rate, Travis Head fined for 'audible obscenity' But Richardson will face tough competition from Queensland pacer Michael Neser, who took 5/29 and 2/36 in Australia A`s 112-run victory over the England Lions at the Ian Healy Oval. Player of the match in the first Test, Travis Head, wicketkeeper Alex Carey and opener David Warner, who is doubtful for the second Test due to rib injury, also flew out of Brisbane early on Sunday ahead of the main players group flying out on Monday to reunite with their families in Adelaide.

Ashes: Josh Hazlewood flies home, in race against time to be fit for 2nd Test against England