Australia claims thrilling second Test victory after Buttler departs in “staggering” fashion
Australia has won the second Test by 275 runs and taken an early 2-0 lead in the Ashes.
Adelaide Oval hosted a thrilling finish on Day 5 as Jos Buttler and England threatened to steal a famous draw against all the odds.
Richardson has FIVE and Australia make it 2-0!!! 😍🔥🤩💪
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 20, 2021
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With the Aussies needing two wickets in the last session and Buttler and Stuart Broad at the crease, England fans were hopeful when waking up to the coverage on Monday morning London time.
However, the wicketkeeper-batsman was dismissed in extraordinary circumstances, standing on his stumps when going back to a delivery from Jhye Richardson early in the last session.
SEN Test Cricket’s Adam Collins called the wicket and could barely believe what he’d seen.
“What a staggering way to fall, goodness gracious me,” he said in disbelief.
“How on earth has that happened.
“His boot has pressed back the stumps, Mitchell Starc was alert to it, the appeal went up and of course it was honoured, and Jos Buttler, his 207-ball vigil is over, gone for 26.”
The Englishman had worked incredibly hard for his 26 runs, spending just short of 65 overs at the crease after being dropped on 0.
It was a brave effort from the tourists, particularly Buttler, who almost defied the odds in batting through what would have been more than four sessions.
It goes from bad to worse for the tourists! 🤣
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 20, 2021
📺 Watch Day 5 #Ashes on @foxtel CH 501 or stream on @kayosports: https://t.co/FjGXUvXMTf
📝 Blog: https://t.co/wlw2EZ842A
🔢 Match Centre: https://t.co/q4Er4ntgCq pic.twitter.com/vJnbVULaGX
Chris Woakes was also impressive for his 44 runs, consistently thwarting the Australian attack.
However, the home side – who were always the hot favourites to stroll to victory on Day 5 – eventually wore down the English.
James Anderson was never going to hang around long, England's no.11 caught in the gully off Richardson's bowling after spending just five balls at the crease.
Richardson was the pick of the Australian bowlers in the second innings, recording his first Test five-wicket haul to finish with 5/42 from 19.1 overs.
Mitch Starc and Nathan Lyon were also pivotal in ensuring the last six wickets were taken on Day 5, taking three wickets between them and bowling important spells.
Marnus Labuschagne was named man-of-the-match for his first innings century.
The series heads to Melbourne for the famous Boxing Day Test, with England needing a win to keep the series alive.