Wed, Jul 15, 2026
Wed, Jul 15, 2026
Ashes: Australia swell lead after England capitulate
England’s hopes of regaining the Ashes look all but over after they were bowled out for 67 by Australia on the second day of the third Test at Headingley.
The home side were skittled for their lowest Ashes total since 1948 before Australia moved to 171-6 to lead by 283 at the end of a day when 16 wickets fell.
It amounted to one of England’s most dismal home Ashes days in recent memory, where they went from genuine optimism over levelling the series to the brink of being 2-0 down with two Tests to play.
Their reply to Australia’s first-innings 179 was simply awful. Yes, the visitors’ bowling was magnificent, but flimsy England were blown away in ideal batting conditions.
Pace bowler Josh Hazlewood took 5-30, while Joe Denly was the only batsman to reach double figures – his 12 is the lowest to top-score in an England Test innings.
There was a glimmer of hope for England when Australia were reduced to 52-3 in their second innings, only for Marnus Labuschagne to take it away with his unbeaten 53 off 139 balls.
He was dropped twice and caught behind off a no-ball, each miss adding further frustration to England’s desperately disappointing day.
At some point on Saturday or Sunday, Ashes holders Australia look likely to secure at least a series draw, which is all they need to take the urn back down under. (BBC Sport)