England are on course for another defeat in the Ashes after Australia dominated the third day of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. Resuming 95 runs adrift, on 247 for two, Australia established a 210-run first innings lead by reaching a commanding 552 for nine declared with Ricky Ponting hitting a brilliant 154, Damien Martyn scoring 95 and Adam Gilchrist a quickfire 54 off only 67 balls.
Facing 13 overs before close of play, England made little impact and slipped to 17 for two before Australia strengthened their stranglehold even further when Andy Bichel removed England captain Nasser Hussain just four balls before stumps to leave the tourists on 36 for three.
Australian centurion Ricky Ponting admitted afterwards on Sky Sports that his side's decision to declare was tactical. "It is always hard to bat in those sort of situations when you have been out in the field for a day-and-a-half. That was the reason behind our declaration and it worked for us," he admitted.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
