England face heavy defeat as Aussies strike

England were facing the prospect of another heavy loss to Australia after the third day of the second Ashes Test on Saturday.

When play ended, England were in deep trouble at 36 for three in their second innings, still 174 runs behind on a pitch starting to favour the bowlers.

England lost opener Marcus Trescothick for a duck and Mark Butcher for four, then captain Nasser Hussain for 10 on what became the last ball of the day.

Australia had begun the day at 247 for two in reply to England's 342 and added another 305 for the loss of seven wickets before declaring after tea at 552 for nine.

Ricky Ponting top-scored with 154 after starting the day on 83 and shared in a record third-wicket partnership of 242 with Damien Martyn, who fell five runs short of a century.

Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist also made a half-century while all but one of Australia's batsmen made at least 25.

All rounder Craig White was the most successful English bowler, capturing four for 106 while paceman Steve Harmison and off-spinner Richard Dawson collected two each.

Trescothick faced just eight balls as he was trapped lbw by Gillespie with the total on five then Butcher went lbw to Glenn McGrath with the score on 17. He faced four deliveries.

England's misery was completed when Hussain was bowled by Bichel on the second ball of the final over of the day.

Earlier report:
Day 1: Vaughan rides luck to post Ashes century
Day 2: Australia well-placed after England collapse

Mail Cricket Editor