Australia seal victory in the second Ashes Test in spite of Jos Buttler’s defiance

Despite Jos Buttler’s gutsy innings coming close to saving the second Test for England, Australia have taken a 2-0 Ashes lead after bowling the Three Lions out on day five in Adelaide.

Buttler, who had experienced a tough match behind the stumps having failed a number of catches, shared a partnership worth 61 runs with Chris Woakes (44) and spent over four hours at the crease during his knock of 26 from 207 deliveries.

The 31-year-old displayed a level of determination and patience that has been absent throughout England’s batting this series and was even applauded off the field by Aussie stand-in skipper Steve Smith and his side.

Buttler’s efforts were ever the more impressive when taking into account the potentially damaging effect those aforementioned errors could have had on his mental strength.

Whilst there may have still been 24 overs for Buttler to see out with only Stuart Broad (9*) and James Anderson (2) for company, his eventual dismissal will remain incredibly painful for, at least, the next few days.

Rocking back to play Jhye Richardson into the off-side, Buttler took one step too many and saw his heel clip the stumps to hand the hosts a vital wicket and seal a gut-wrenching end to what was a highly commendable performance.

Richardson would eventually claim a maiden Test five-for with the match-winning wicket of Anderson and produced a superb delivery to see off Woakes who looked in good touch himself.

England began the day as firm underdogs having to survive with only six wickets in hand. Their position was significantly weakened only 13 deliveries into the morning too as Ollie Pope edged Mitchell Starc’s delivery into the hands of Steve Smith at second slip for just four.

Hopes of making it to tea, let alone afterwards, drastically faded when Ben Stokes (12) played around a straight Nathan Lyon delivery and was out for LBW on review.

Battling from 105-6 to within 20 overs from the end of play would have been somewhat of a consolation for Joe Root, but yet again, repeated mistakes have cost his side dearly.

Solidity with the bat and taking catches may be basic elements of the game, although, that’s where England need to improve and quickly if they are to have any chance of avoiding a series defeat.

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