Australia has one hand on the Ashes urn as England’s D-Day did not go to plan with the visitors crumbling after a promising start to Day 2.
After adding another 45 runs with the bat this morning to take the lead to 371, the Poms capitulated to finish the day 8/213 and still trailing by 158 runs.
Players struggled in the 40-degree heat, but the cricket world was more heated over the controversial Snicko technology.
The failures of “Snicko” followed an opening day DRS howler that cost England the wicket of Alex Carey, with the Aussie using the second chance to go on and make what was an emotional century.
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Less than 24 hours on and England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith had two moments of “Snicko” drama.
First, he appeared to be caught at slip by Usman Khawaja off glove and helmet, only to be told that, according to the technology, the ball only hit Smith’s helmet, despite replays seemingly showing a deflection off his glove.
It led to Aussie quick Mitchell Starc saying, “Snicko needs to be sacked. That’s the worst technology there is. They make a mistake the other day, and they make another mistake today.”
But moments later, the Aussies caught a break, with Smith sent packing by the same technology, except this time it appeared as though he didn’t hit it.
Snicko showed a spike, but it was out of sync and came after the ball had passed the bat.
The side-on angle seemed to show a gap between blade and cherry, however, due to a spike on “Snicko”, it was given out.
While the controversial technology has again dominated headlines on Day 2, it only helps take the focus away from yet another shambolic England performance.
After being woeful with the ball, the batsmen again failed to make the most of a great batting wicket.
Australia holds all the cards heading into Day 3, with a big lead in both game three and the Ashes.
Originally published as Ashes 3rd Test Day 2 live: Snicko drama erupts, cricket world up in arms as Ashes descends into chaos
