Overview
- Australia reached 98 for six at lunch on day two, extending their lead to 140, with Steve Smith 16 not out and Cameron Green 6 not out.
- Gus Atkinson left the field with a left hamstring strain after removing nightwatchman Scott Boland for six, reducing England’s bowling options.
- Twenty wickets fell on day one as Australia were bowled out for 152 and England for 110, the first time since 1909 both sides were dismissed on an Ashes opening day.
- Josh Tongue took 5-45 for England, while Michael Neser top-scored for Australia with 35 and claimed 4-45 to trigger England’s collapse.
- A green, 10mm grass surface drew strong criticism from former players for excessive seam movement, and CA boss Todd Greenberg said “short Tests are bad for business” as he considers tighter pitch oversight after recent revenue hits.