Australia's seamers, led by skipper Pat Cummins, blew-off England's fragile batting order to bundle the three lions out for just 188 on an eventful second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test. Australia have taken a 152-run lead and are 37-3 in their second innings at stumps on day two.
England's first innings started in a chaotic style when Rory Burns was run out for a duck. Zack Crawley followed for 18 when he provided Cummins' first wicket, well caught by Travis Head leaping high at short leg. Each time a partnership looked like forming, it was broken apart by Australia's bowlers.
Australia’s 10th wicket partnership averages 14, which is more than the English openers who average just about 12.77 in this Ashes.
Cummins took 4 for 45 and Mitchell Starc 3 for 53 with number eight Chris Woakes being England's top-scorer with 36, followed by Joe Root's 34 and Sam Billings, whose 29 on debut was solid.
Joe Root and Dawid Malan put on 49 runs before both fell in quick succession during a passage of play which also claimed Ben Stokes as England lost three wickets for seven runs in the space of 21 deliveries.
Australia with a 115-run lead were reduced to 5/2 in their second innings. England’s new ball attack made use of the conditions as Australia finished the day on 3 for 37 in their second innings with Steve Smith unbeaten on 17 and nightwatchman Scott Boland on 3.
At the start of the day, Australia added 62 runs for the loss of four wickets with Alex Carey unable to convert his start of 24 and Nathan Lyon making a bright cameo worth 31 off just 27 balls, including three sixes off Wood, before he was last man out with the hosts first-innings total on 303.
