England fightback in vain as Australia extend Ashes lead in Adelaide
England’s fightback in Adelaide – inspired by James Anderson and Joe Root – proved futile as Australia extended their lead in the Ashes with a 120-run win.
Steve Smith’s Australians thumped England by ten wickets in the opening match of the series at the Gabba and underlined their dominance this week to take a 2-0 lead.
Watch: Devastated Joe Root dismissed to send Australia into frenzy
Requiring 178 runs to seal a stunning victory on day five, England lost Chris Woakes, Root and Moeen Ali early with Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon inflicting the damage.
Mitchell Starc then wrapped up the innings with the new ball as England only lasted 22 overs on day five before crumbling.
Captain Root inserted Australia in the first session of the match and the controversial decision backfired as the hosts declared after almost 150 overs at the crease on 442-8.
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Trevor Bayliss’ side were hugely disappointing with the bat, failing to make the most of favourable conditions at the Adelaide Oval to be bowled out for 227 – number nine Craig Overton top-scored with 41.
But the tourists fought their way back into the contest in the second-half of the match, bowling Australia out for just 138 as Anderson claimed his first five-wicket haul Down Under.
Chasing 354 was always going to be a monumental task, however, and they fell way short as Starc tore through the tail and finished the game with a five-for.
MORE: Joe Root dismissed by Josh Hazlewood as Australia close in on Ashes victory
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