Ashes 2nd Test: Steve Smith’s sweet return

Steven Smith en route his 93 v England on Friday. Pic/Getty Images

England were battling to stay in the second Ashes Test on Friday after Australia removed both openers in a fiery spell under lights on Day Two to leave the visitors reeling. The home team declared their first innings on a commanding 473-9 here, leaving England to face a trying 40 minutes against a swinging pink-ball before a lightning strike brought play to a close for the day.

Once again, England's fate rests with skipper Joe Root, who was unbeaten on five alongside Dawid Malan on one as they reached stumps at 17 for two after lightning forced an early halt. Earlier, Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with a magnificent 103 while David Warner (95) and Smith (93) provided vital support after Australia resumed from their overnight 221-2. Ben Stokes was the pick of the England attack with 3-113, while Jimmy Anderson took 2-58.

Smith struck a fine 93 to help Australia reassert control after Travis Head and Cameron Green were out in quick succession after Labuschagne departed. The stand-in captain was England's key tormentor at the last Ashes in 2019, on his return from a ball-tampering ban, and he kept his cool in sweltering Adelaide. He was ably supported by Alex Carey. Smith came to the crease when Warner was out and barely put a foot wrong, dishing out particular punishment to Chris Woakes, crunching three boundaries in one over then smacking him for a big six.

Brief scores
Australia 473-9d (M Labuschagne 103, D Warner 95, S Smith 93; B Stokes 3-113, J Anderson 2-58) v England 17-2 (H Hameed 6; M Neser 1-4)

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