England are up against it once again as Australia close in on another victory in the second Ashes Test. The tourists are six down in their second innings and still trail the dominant Aussies at The Gabba. It’s not beyond question they could be beaten by an innings but, either way, stand-in skipper Steve Smith and his side are soundly placed to make it 2-0 in the series. As for England, their final hope rests on captain Ben Stokes – unbeaten on four at the crease – to do something special.
Even if the all-rounder can conjure up some more trademark Ashes magic, though, it would be a tall order for England to wrestle back the initiative from here. Stokes and Will Jacks were the two batters unbeaten overnight. The tourists are 43 runs behind as they prepare to start play on day four. Two wickets each for Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser and Scott Boland have put the Aussies into such a commanding position, with a 2-0 series lead within reach.
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