Day 2 of the third Ashes Test 2025–26 at the Adelaide Oval turned out to be a nightmare for people. England as Australia they strengthened the control of the race. After posting a competitive first innings total, the hosts unleashed a relentless spell of bowling that decimated England’s top order. The highlight of the session was a peach of a delivery Pat Cummins that he answered again Joe Rootthey marked a historic milestone in their long-running duel.
Australia laid the platform with a solid first innings total
Australia went into Day 2 with confidence after scoring 371 in their first innings. While the total wasn’t overwhelming on a surface that was expected to help the batting at the start, it proved more than enough once the Australian bowlers found rhythm and drive under clear Adelaide skies. The hosts were sharp on the pitch and clinical on the ball, setting the tone right from the start of England’s return exchanges.
Early strikes rock England
England’s innings started on an uncertain note, with the Australian pacers using bounce and seam. Openers Zach Crawley and Ben Duckett struggled to settle, managing to stay just short at the crease. Crawley was dismissed cheaply while Duckett looked promising before falling for 29. Nathan Lyon then he attacked and took out by hitting twice in a row Ollie Pope a paltry treble and to further undermine England’s confidence.
With wickets falling, England’s hopes rested more on Joe Root, a man often relied upon to steady the ship in difficult conditions.
Pat Cummins dismissed Joe Root for a record 12th time in Test cricket
In the fourth ball of the 17th over, Cummins produced a moment of brilliance that had the Adelaide crowd rapt. Bowling from a testing length outside off, Cummins turned Root into an uncertain product. The ball is sufficiently nipped, taking the edge of the thick edge that is carried out cleanly Alex Careythrown forward to complete the sharp catch.
Root departed for 19 off 31 deliveries, leaving with a glance at the big screen as the significance of the dismissal sunk in. It was Cummins Root’s 12th dismissal in Test cricket, the most by any bowler. In achieving this feat, the Australian captain went ahead Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starcand Josh Hazlewood In the list of bowlers who have troubled Root at the highest level.
We present the video:
Pat Cummins takes the prized scalp of Joe Root just after lunch!#Ash | #Playoftheday | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/2iRnD0Wcs3
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2025
