Ashes 2021-22: 2nd Test, Day 3 – Australia tighten their grip after English collapse

Even after losing the wicket of David Warner early on, Australia has a tight hold on the game. Marcus Harris (21*) and Michael Neser (2*) finished the day as the hosts lead by 282 runs at stumps on Day 3.

Earlier in the day, Australia exuded clinical bowling performance to yet again dominate the proceedings. They wrapped up Joe Root led side at 236 runs to march the drum of their repertoire. On this note, let’s take a look at the three talking points of the day.

England’s batting collapse

England’s partnerships so far:
7
5
138
7
7#Ashes pic.twitter.com/m1MLGxFaUr

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2021

The visitors struggled with the bat in the first Test and the scripts quite did not change this time around as well. After Australia declared at 473-9, England had a massive task in hand. However, the batters weren’t able to provide enough resistance as the batting unit yet again experienced a collapse.

By tea, England was 197 for six with Ben Stokes unbeaten on 12 and Chris Woakes not out at 23. But soon the hosts wrapped up the proceedings taking a lead of 237 runs.

The partnership between Joe Root and Dawid Malan

The only batters who provided much hope to the visitors were Joe Root and Dawid Malan. Both of them had survived the first session and looked in control of the game. They stitched in a 138-run partnership to provide stability to England’s batting unit.

However soon after the break both of them walked back to the hut in quick succession. Root was dismissed at 62 whereas Malan walked back with 80 runs to his account.

Nathon Lyon’s splendid spell

Beautiful off-spin bowling! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/V3a60rJLeM

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2021

The spinner seemed to have got back his form when he took the charge of the ball in this Ashes. He picked up four wickets in England’s second innings in the first Test. Lyon continued his good momentum in the second Test as well.

He scalped three wickets and controlled the flow of runs to put Australia in the driver’s seat. He maintained tight lines and lengths as he bowled 11 maiden overs in the match.