Starc, Boland Decimate England: Tourists 134/6 at Stumps, Face Looming Ashes Defeat

Australia has taken a decisive, near-unassailable grip on the Day-Night Second Ashes Test at The Gabba. At Stumps on Day Three, England's second innings was left in a total mess at 134 for 6, still trailing Australia by 43 runs.

The late session collapse under the lights put Australia on the brink of another victory, which many commentators believe will effectively end England's hopes of winning the Ashes series. England 134/6, trailing by 43 runs (Australia 1st Innings: 511; England 1st Innings: 334).

The Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Michael Neser were described as "superb" and highly effective with the pink ball under the floodlights. Starc and Boland both claimed two wickets each in the innings.

The situation was so dire that when Jamie Smith edged behind, there was speculation that Australian captain Steven Smith (deputizing for the absent captain) might have asked for the extra 30 minutes of play, fearing the game could end that evening.

England captain Ben Stokes (4*) and Will Jacks (4*) managed to survive the final tense minutes to take the game to Day Four. The session featured a remarkable two-ball sequence involving Harry Brook. He was first given out after missing a ball, only for the decision to be overturned. Immediately after, he was given not out despite apparently edging the ball behind, highlighting the volatile and exciting atmosphere at The Gabba. Brook was later dismissed for 15.

Australia's dominance was built on a massive first innings total of 511, securing a commanding 177-run lead. This innings featured half-centuries from Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steven Smith, and a crucial 77 by Mitchell Starc.