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Australia heading towards winning the Ashes 2021 here at MCG in Melbourne. Play began half an hour late after Covid drama in the England camp, with the team forced to undergo urgent rapid antigen tests as they were about to leave for the MCG. Australia continued its dominance on day 2. Australia is leading by 51 runs with England already 4 down in the second innings.
Stumps on day two in Melbourne 🏏
Simply incredible from Australia as they end the day with a bang 💥#AUSvENG | #WTC23 pic.twitter.com/Xqm6KjWPFZ
— ICC (@ICC) December 27, 2021
England started on a positive note sending Marnus, Steve Smith, and Lyon back in the hut early in the first session of the day. Marcus Harris, under pressure after a poor series so far, played a good knock of 76 off 189 to the Aussies lead England. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc scored quick runs to give Australia an 82 runs lead. Australia was bowled out for 267. Anderson lead the English attack picking up four to keep England in the game. Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood chipped in with a couple of wickets each too.
Mitchell Starc is on fire this season as he sent back Zak Crawley and Dawid Malan in the same over. The debutant struck twice to put Australia further ahead in the game. England’s last hope is Joe Root, who will have to play a massive innings to save this test. After heavy defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, England must win to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to retain the urn as holders.