The Ashes 2025 LIVE updates: Starc pushes Australia’s lead beyond 100 as tail-end stand frustrates England

This is ridiculous by England. Their field setting is telling Mitchell Starc, we can’t get you out.

They had four boundary riders, at fine leg, deep square, third man and deep point, and the rest were not in positions where they could save a single.

I understand they want to get Scott Boland on strike but why not target both? Starc is a handy batter, but he’s a No.9. A lot of teams do this, but it’s mind-boggling stuff and Starc clubs back-to-back boundaries from Brydon Carse to stretch Australia’s lead past 100.

A picture’s worth a thousand words.Credit: Getty Images

Further to the above, England’s tactics are giving Australia what they want. The lights start taking effect at about 5.40 pm (local time) in Brisbane when the sun dips below the roofline.

That means Australia need to bat for about 45 minutes after the tea break to get England facing a new pink ball when artificial light takes over. By letting Starc farm the strike and take time out of the game, they are making life more difficult for their top order.