England coach leaps to team’s defence after batters crumble in Ashes heat

FootballSports
18 Dec 2025 • 5:54 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • England's cricket team suffered a significant batting collapse on day two of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, reaching only 213 for eight by the close of play.
  • This poor performance came after Australia posted a modest first-innings total of 371, leaving England in a precarious position and facing another series defeat.
  • Captain Ben Stokes played a defiant, uncharacteristic innings of 45 not out from 151 balls, battling cramps and dehydration in extreme heat.
  • Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick defended the team's effort, stating that players were trying their best and had not "let down" Stokes, despite their struggles.
  • The top three batsmen were dismissed within the first 10 overs, with most of the batting order holding series averages below 30, highlighting their collective difficulties.

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