Will Jacks (left) and Brydon Carse briefly gave England hope with a 50 partnership (Robbie Stephenson/PA)Incredibly, they had a chance to pull off a truly great escape. Jamie Smith and Will Jacks set about taking advantage, with a stand of 91 suddenly making the huge target seem achievable. A brilliant slip catch followed from Marnus Labuschagne, another area Australia have proved themselves vastly superior, and their fate was sealed. England had no real chance once he was gone, with Archer and Tongue giving way to Australia’s seamers while Carse managed 39 not out. England had finally located some defiance but must now dig even deeper to avoid the ignominy of a 5-0 whitewash.

Source: Irish Examiner December 21, 2025 14:42 UTC