The second Ashes Test ended in a nightmare for England as they suffered a 275-run defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Australia in Adelaide. The hosts won an epic battle against Jos Buttler in the final session of the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval as the wicketkeeper-batsman’s rearguard was not enough to save them. Australia bundled out the visitors for 192 runs to win the second Test by 275 runs and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
In the recently concluded Adelaide Test, England went ahead with the game beyond many expectations, largely through Butler’s epic 26 effort in a 207-ball innings to save the Test match in their favor. Australia needed six wickets to settle things on the final day, but the wicketkeeper-batsman not only endured 200 balls with impeccable grit and determination, but also put on a 61-run partnership in 31 overs to help his team to help preserve it. However, the England deputy’s attacking innings ended in a slightly bizarre fashion, as he was literally dismissed for a hit wicket on his off-stump.
Butler’s marathon of 258 minutes, which deserved a better end than the hit-wicket, earned him praise from all around, including his captain Joe Root, who called the hit-wicket “heartbreaking”. Speaking to BT Sports in a post-match interview, Root said, “It was heartbreaking to see Butler get out like this, it showed your desire to be here. His mindset in particular was excellent.”
“We weren’t brave enough at times to pick up the ball and drive them. Lesson learned, we have to get better in the next game,” he said.
Butler’s battle of valor also earned praise from Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith. “I think Jose played very well, and played over 200 balls, so there was good resistance with Woakes and Robinson.” Notably, Buttler made amends on the fourth day of the Pink Ball Test to leave the chance with a low diving catch to get rid of Smith.
Meanwhile, Root’s captaincy has come under question as he now has the most Test losses (23) as captain, surpassing Alastair Cook’s 22 losses. Eight of the 23 setbacks came in the Ashes, the joint-third most for the England captain.
get all IPL news and cricket score Here
,