Starc Puts England Under Pressure as Australia Tighten Grip on Day 3

England found themselves under pressure at the end of Day 3 of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, finishing on 134/6 and still trailing by 43 runs. The visitors collapsed quickly after the dinner break, losing wickets in clusters.

In the final session of the day, Mitchell Starc claimed the most crucial wicket of the England innings, removing Joe Root for 15. Michael Neser dismissed both Zak Crawley (44) and Ollie Pope (26), while Scott Boland accounted for Ben Duckett (15). Earlier, Crawley and Duckett had taken England safely to 45 without loss by the dinner interval.

Earlier in the day, Australia’s first innings came to an end at 511 just before the dinner break. Starc ensured a substantial 177-run lead with a blistering 77 from No. 9 — the highest score by a No. 9 batter at the Gabba.

Australia resumed on 378/6 in the morning. On Day 2, Alex Carey (46*) and Michael Neser (15*) had extended the lead to 44. At the top of the order, Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), and Steve Smith (61) played composed innings that kept Australia comfortably ahead.

At one point, Australia were firmly in control at 291/3. But Brydon Carse briefly lifted England’s spirits, removing Cameron Green (45) and Smith within four deliveries. Despite that short wobble, Australia maintained command of the match.

England’s first innings had ended in the second over of the morning session. Resuming at 325/9, they were bowled out for 334. Joe Root remained unbeaten, while his 70-run last-wicket stand with Jofra Archer (38) gave England some momentum. However, Starc’s outstanding 6/75 ensured Australia stayed well on top