Former Test captain Nasser Hussain accepts England's hopes of regaining the Ashes are all but over—yet again well before the end of the series.
His forlorn comments came after an Australian bowling masterclass in stifling heat on day two that, effectively, put victory in the must-win third Test beyond England’s reach.
“It looks like the Ashes are slipping away after another difficult day on a very good Adelaide pitch,” Hussain lamented at stumps on day two speaking on Sky Sports UK.
“England’s top eight batters, probably with the exception of (Ben) Stokes and Harry Brooke, succumbed to the pressure of the Australian attack.”
MORE: DRS Root-ed? Alex Carey catch off England star given not out in Ashes controversy
‘Given England a masterclass’ says Hussain
Hussain explained the quintet of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green had been relentless in their lengths throughout the day, providing little respite for England’s under fire top order despite having to toil in temperatures that soared above 40 degrees in the final session.
“The batting of England has disappointed again, but the bowling of Australian in this series (has been difference),” Hussain said.
“They have given England a masterclass on how to bowl in Australia, you pitch the ball up, you hit the top of off stump.
“Pat Cummins nips it away and finds the outside edge, Scott Boland nips it back and finds the inside edge or the stumps. They have a world class spinner who went past Glenn McGrath today and only has Shane Warne ahead of him (on the Australian all-time Test wicket taking list),” he added.
“Australia’s bowling has been outstanding—and England just can’t live with them.”