Mitchell Starc produced a commanding display with both bat and ball on day three of the second Ashes Test. His composed fifty and destructive spells placed Australia inches from a decisive victory. England ended the day in deep trouble after another collapse under the Gabba floodlights.
Starc delivered a superb 77 during Australia’s first innings. His innings came from 141 balls and included 13 boundaries. He then tormented England’s top and middle order with the pink ball. England slumped to 134 for six at stumps and remained 43 runs short of making Australia bat again. With the momentum fully behind Australia, the visitors now face a near-certain 2-0 series deficit.
England Collapse After a Bright Start
England began the evening session with some promise. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett compiled an aggressive 45-run partnership in only six overs. However, their momentum quickly evaporated as Australia’s bowlers tightened their grip. The hosts struck repeatedly and exploited movement under the lights.
Michael Neser removed Crawley for 44 and Ollie Pope for 26. Starc added further pressure by removing Joe Root for 15. Jamie Smith also edged behind for four. Scott Boland contributed with two vital wickets, dismissing Duckett and Harry Brook. England’s slide to 6-89 exposed the team’s recurring issues in challenging Australian conditions.
Although Ben Stokes and Will Jacks survived to the close, both remained on four. Their task on day four will be difficult, as Australia continues to control conditions and match flow.
Australia Extend Their Lead Through Key Tailend Partnerships
Australia resumed the day on 378 for six and steadily built a commanding lead. Starc’s innings lifted the hosts to 511. His approach blended patience with aggression and frustrated England’s tiring attack. He combined well with Scott Boland, who remained unbeaten on 21. Their 75-run stand marked a record ninth-wicket partnership at the Gabba in Test cricket.
Brendan Doggett and Boland added further resistance before Doggett edged Will Jacks. Their stand consumed seven overs and denied England any opportunity to bat in daylight. Because of this, England had to face the pink ball under lights, which intensified their difficulties.
Alex Carey also contributed 63 after being dropped twice earlier in the match. His innings stabilised Australia’s middle order and helped extend the lead. Five Australian batters reached half-centuries, showcasing the team’s depth in favourable conditions.
England Struggle With the Ball and Lose Discipline With the Bat
England’s bowlers had little reward despite their effort. Brydon Carse finished with figures of 4-152 but conceded runs at a costly rate. Ben Stokes also struggled for control. England’s frustrations grew as Australia’s lead expanded and their batters capitalised on loose deliveries.
When England returned to bat, their shot selection faltered again. Loose drives cost Crawley and Pope their wickets. Root repeated the same mistake soon after. Duckett missed an earlier chance to survive when Neser dropped a difficult caught-and-bowled attempt. However, he later fell to Boland after a period of pressure.
Marcus Trescothick acknowledged England’s inconsistency when he spoke after play. He noted that the side performs well when it executes plans correctly. However, he admitted that poor shot selection continues to expose the team in tough conditions.
A Series Threatening to Slip Away From England
England’s hopes of levelling the five-Test series now appear faint. History offers little comfort. Only one team has ever overturned a 2-0 deficit in a Test series. That team was Don Bradman’s Australia during the 1936–37 Ashes. England now face the same daunting challenge but without similar form or momentum.
Australia, on the other hand, stand poised to seize control of the series. Their bowlers remain disciplined and confident. Their batting unit continues to produce vital contributions. Yet, Starc’s all-round brilliance has been the defining force of the Test. With 18 wickets across both matches so far, he is enjoying one of his most impactful series performances.
Australia Hold Complete Control Ahead of Day Four
As play resumes, England will need a near-perfect effort to delay the inevitable. Stokes and Jacks must rebuild carefully. However, Australia’s bowlers will enter the morning session eager to secure a swift finish. The hosts will look to strike early and close out a commanding victory.
Starc’s remarkable day has set the tone for what could become one of Australia’s most emphatic Ashes wins at the Gabba. If Australia complete the victory, their pathway to a series triumph will appear clearer than ever.
