Historic Lyon Roars as Australia Dominates England on Day 2 of 3rd Test

In a spirited display, Australia dominated England’s brittle batting lineup on Thursday, putting the visitors in a precarious position, as they faced the prospect of a third Test defeat and a potential end to their Ashes hopes, barring an extraordinary turnaround.

By the close of play on a scorched day two, England managed to reach 213-8, trailing by 158 runs. This came after Australia extended their overnight total to 371, thanks to adding 45 runs while enduring 40-degree Celsius heat.

Ben Stokes, demonstrating resilience, was unbeaten on 45 after enduring 151 deliveries under the punishing sun, with Jofra Archer contributing 30 in this must-win match for England, played on a batting-friendly pitch.

England’s batting coach, Marcus Trescothick, remarked on Stokes’ condition, saying, “He’s exhausted, as you’d expect… He’s dealing with cramps and struggling to keep his fluids and carbohydrates up, feeling quite unwell.”

Stokes’ valiant innings, which notably included taking a hit to the helmet from Mitchell Starc, was crucial in preventing Australia from enforcing the follow-on, despite a contentious decision by the Snicko technology that didn’t help spirits.

Australia, leading the series 2-0, is set to retain the Ashes if they secure a win or a draw after dominant victories in Perth and Brisbane. Early in England’s innings, openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley survived initial spells from Starc and Pat Cummins.

However, England’s hopes quickly faded as they lost three wickets for a mere five runs over the course of 15 balls, continuing a familiar pattern of struggle. Pat Cummins, making his first Test appearance since July due to back issues, prompted an edge from Crawley, who was caught by Alex Carey for nine runs.

In a tactical move, spin maestro Nathan Lyon, who controversially missed the second Test, was introduced and struck immediately, claiming two wickets in his first over. Ollie Pope was caught by Josh Inglis for three, and Duckett was bowled for 29.

Reflecting on his performance, Lyon, who moved past Glenn McGrath on the all-time Test wicket-takers list with his 564th dismissal, stated, “It’s satisfying to make an impact and properly join the series. I just aimed to deliver good balls and stick to the basics.”

Australia’s fast bowlers maintained pressure, with Cummins dismissing Joe Root shortly after lunch, securing his 12th dismissal of the England captain—a personal best against a single batsman.

With the Ashes on the line, Stokes displayed grit and determination, barely reacting when struck by a Starc bouncer. Unfortunately, he lost several partners along the way, including Harry Brook, caught by Carey off Cameron Green’s bowling.

The Snicko technology was again at the center of controversy when Jamie Smith was given out caught behind off Cummins, despite questionable evidence shown on Snicko, much to Stokes’ disbelief.

This incident follows a Snicko error controversy from day one, involving Carey’s century and England’s failed review attempts, prompting Cricket Australia’s Todd Greenberg to express frustration and demand technology improvements.

As the day neared its end, Scott Boland dismissed Will Jacks and Brydon Carse before Stokes and Archer managed to hold firm.

Earlier, Starc’s brisk innings ended at 54, bowled by Archer, who finished with impressive figures of 5-53. Lyon and Boland contributed a useful last-wicket stand, adding to Australia’s imposing total before Lyon fell to Archer.

Date of publication: December 18, 2025.