Archer’s Fiery Five-Wicket Haul Revives England’s Ashes Hopes in Adelaide

Jofra Archer dismisses Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon to bowl Australia out for 371, as DRS controversy overshadows Alex Carey’s century.

ADELAIDE — Jofra Archer’s brilliant five-wicket haul limited Australia to 371 on Day 2 of the must-win third Ashes Test, keeping England’s series hopes alive in scorching conditions at Adelaide Oval.

Archer, who claimed the first wicket on Day 1, returned on Thursday morning to clean up the tail, removing Mitchell Starc for a brisk 54 and trapping Nathan Lyon lbw to finish with figures of 5-53. It marked his fourth Test five-wicket haul and third in Ashes contests.

Starc, continuing his rich form, had earlier raced to his second consecutive half-century, but Archer’s angled delivery shattered his stumps, ending a resilient lower-order stand.

The day was also overshadowed by a DRS controversy involving local centurion Alex Carey. On Wednesday, Carey survived a reviewed caught-behind decision on 72 after a technology error misidentified the noise. He went on to score 106, with technology operators BBG later admitting an “operator error.” The ICC restored England’s lost review ahead of Thursday’s play.

Usman Khawaja, a last-minute replacement for Steve Smith, contributed 82 as Australia built what could be a competitive total.

England’s Crucial Response
With temperatures forecast to near 40°C on Thursday, England’s batsmen face a stern test as they seek a decisive response to stay in the series. A loss in Adelaide would end England’s chances of reclaiming the Ashes after defeats in Perth and Brisbane.