Australian bowlers leave England reeling in final Test
Hosts collapse in first-innings and end day two 374 runs behind Australia’s total.
England crumbled meekly to 107 for eight in reply to Australia’s 481 to put the touring side firmly on course for victory in the final Ashes Test after a dramatic second day at The Oval.
Steve Smith’s patient 143 guided Australia to a formidable total and the bowlers rammed home the advantage in the last session to boost their side’s bid for a consolation win after relinquishing the Ashes by losing the fourth Test in Nottingham.
England’s collapse was not quite as abject as when Australia were bowled out for 60 on the first morning at Trent Bridge but it was quite remarkable on a sun-kissed afternoon in south London.
Spinner Nathan Lyon bowled England captain Alastair Cook for 22 just before tea to start the rot.
Adam Lyth’s wretched run continued when, on 19, he spooned an attempted pull off Peter Siddle to Mitchell Starc at mid-on.
Siddle, recalled in place of the injured Josh Hazlewood, produced a superb delivery to bowl Ian Bell for 10 and Joe Root nicked Mitchell Marsh to keeper Peter Nevill after labouring for 39 balls to make six.
Jonny Bairstow, on 13, tamely pulled Mitchell Johnson to Lyon at square leg, Jos Buttler was bowled by Lyon for one and Ben Stokes skied Marsh to Nevill for 15.
Stuart Broad edged Marsh to Adam Voges at slip for a duck before Moeen Ali and Mark Wood each made eight not out to take the hosts to the close without further loss, still 374 runs behind their opponents.
Scorecard:
Australia 481 all out (Smith 143, Finn 3-90)
England 107-8 (Cook 22, Marsh 3-18)