Australia’s bowlers thrived under the sweltering 40-degree heat at the Adelaide Oval, leaving England teetering at 8/213 by the end of day two of the third Ashes Test. The hosts had earlier set a formidable first innings total of 371. Nathan Lyon, a standout performer, further cemented his legacy among Australia’s cricketing greats by surpassing Glenn McGrath’s Test wicket tally, now second only to the legendary Shane Warne.
Lyon’s remarkable achievement was part of a collective effort by the Australian bowling unit to counter England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ strategy. Despite Ben Stokes’ valiant innings, which diverged from England’s usual attacking philosophy, the pressure mounts on several of his teammates following a series of underwhelming performances.
Lyon’s Legacy: Surpassing McGrath
On a day marked by milestones, Nathan Lyon’s ascent to become Australia’s second-highest Test wicket-taker was a highlight. This achievement came at the Adelaide Oval, a ground where Lyon once worked as a groundsman. He ended the day with figures of 2/51 from 22 overs, having needed just two wickets at the start of the series to surpass McGrath’s 563 Test wickets.
Speaking to the media, Lyon expressed his admiration for McGrath and Warne, whom he idolized growing up.
“They were my heroes. To think to be able to take over, or equal Glenn, however you want to put it, is pretty humbling, to be honest,”
he said. Lyon’s introduction into the attack during the first session proved pivotal, as he quickly dismissed Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett, showcasing his mastery of spin.
Former Australian leg spinner Kerry O’Keeffe praised Lyon’s consistent performance over the years, highlighting his orthodox technique and mental resilience.
“He doesn’t have a doosra. He doesn’t have a carrom ball. He’s got an arm ball. He bowls straight arm off spin and he’s taken 564 Test wickets,”
O’Keeffe noted, emphasizing the effectiveness of Lyon’s traditional approach.
England’s Struggle with ‘Bazball’
England’s batting lineup, known for its aggressive ‘Bazball’ style, appeared subdued on day two. Harry Brook’s brief display of aggression, including a six off Scott Boland, was an exception in an otherwise cautious innings. England ended the day with a run rate of 3.13, a stark contrast to their usual brisk scoring.
Brook’s approach, praised by commentators like Brett Lee, was one of the few positives for England. However, his dismissal by Cameron Green, after a promising 56-run partnership with Stokes, underscored Australia’s disciplined bowling strategy.
Stokes, known for pioneering the ‘Bazball’ approach alongside coach Brendon McCullum, adopted a more conservative style, ending the day unbeaten on 45 from 151 balls. Former England bowler Isa Guha noted Stokes’ strategic adjustment, highlighting the importance of his wicket in the context of the match.
DRS Controversies and On-field Tensions
The Decision Review System (DRS) was a focal point of controversy, with several contentious calls involving Jamie Smith and Joe Root. The third umpire, Chris Gaffaney, faced scrutiny over decisions that left both teams frustrated. In one instance, Smith was given not out after a bouncer from Pat Cummins was deemed to have not touched his glove, despite audio evidence suggesting otherwise.
England’s assistant coach Marcus Trescothick and Lyon avoided discussing the DRS decisions in their press conferences. The contentious calls added to the drama of the day, with former players like Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee weighing in on the challenges of making accurate judgments.
Pressure Mounts on England’s Batting Order
Ollie Pope’s struggles continued, with his dismissal for just 3 runs adding to the pressure on England’s top order. Pope, who averages a meager 10.75 against Lyon, fell victim to the spinner’s prowess once again. Former England captain Michael Vaughan and other critics have called for changes in the lineup, suggesting Stokes take on the No.3 position.
Meanwhile, tensions flared on the field as Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer engaged in a heated exchange over bowling tactics. Archer’s inconsistent performance, despite achieving a five-wicket haul, drew criticism from Stokes, who expressed his frustration openly.
As the series progresses, England faces mounting challenges both on and off the field. Australia’s strategic superiority and Lyon’s historic performance have set the stage for a compelling continuation of the Ashes.
