Mitchell Starc delivered a stunning all-round performance to leave England on the ropes after day three of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. The veteran Australian fast bowler, hailed by teammate Michael Neser as "the greatest lefty of all time", top-scored with a crucial 77 before taking two wickets with the ball, putting his side within touching distance of a commanding victory.
Starc and Boland Frustrate England's Bowlers
The day's pivotal moment came from Australia's tail, as Starc combined with number eleven Scott Boland in a defiant partnership. The pair added 75 vital runs from 164 balls, stretching Australia's first innings total to 511 and securing a mammoth lead of 177 over England. Their stubborn resistance under intense Brisbane heat sapped England's bowling attack, a fact noted by Queensland-raised Neser.
"Being a Gabba local, I know how hard it is bowling under the heat," Neser said. "It just seems to radiate through the Gabba. To be bowling as late as we did, it definitely keeps you fresher." England's assistant coach, Marcus Trescothick, admitted his team had tried to force an error from the lower order but their plans did not come to fruition.
England's Batting Collapse Under Evening Skies
Any hopes England had of building a solid second innings response were swiftly dismantled by Australia's refreshed attack. The visitors crumbled to 134 for six by stumps, still trailing by 43 runs. The collapse included the key wicket of first-innings centurion Joe Root, caught behind off the bowling of Starc for just 15. None of England's partnerships came close to matching the resilience shown by Starc and Boland earlier in the day.
Neser was full of praise for Starc's remarkable dual contribution. "He's a special player. He doesn't like to admit it but he is the GOAT, the greatest lefty of all time," he stated. "He does it with the ball, the bat, and to be next to him, witnessing what he does, is just amazing."
Post-Match Reaction and Cummins Update
Trescothick conceded it had been "a tough day" that left England "not in a great position". He defended his team's aggressive batting philosophy despite the familiar collapse, insisting they aim to play their style while respecting the game situation.
In a significant boost for Australia, captain Pat Cummins confirmed he is on track to return from a back injury for the third Test in Adelaide. "I'll have one more bowl tomorrow and then we'll go to Adelaide and have a bowl there. So barring any hiccups, I'll be good to go," Cummins told Fox Sports. "The body feels great." His return will further strengthen an Australian side that currently holds all the cards in Brisbane.
