AUS vs ENG: Mitchell Starc's All-Round Show Puts Australia On Course For Second Test Victory Over England (Day 3)

Australia vs England 2nd Test: Australia's prime pacer Mitchell Starc's all-round show of a half-century and two wickets under the Gabba floodlights propelled Australia to the brink of victory at the close of day three of the second Ashes Test against England.

The Australian pacer's 77-run knock, laced with 13 fours, played a crucial role in Australia's 177-run lead, while his two wickets helped restrict England to 134/6 at stumps.

At the time of Stumps on Day 3, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks were both standing at 4 unbeaten with the task of restoring dignity to an England side.

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Starc, who came into the day unbeaten, smashed 77 runs, helping Australia extend their first innings total to 511. He joined hands with Scott Boland (21) to sew a crucial 75-run partnership. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey also made a priceless 63. Brydon Carse was the pick of the English bowlers, finishing with 4/152.

England began the day 3 with genuine hope of at least controlling Australia, who had a 44-run lead with four wickets in hand.

Chasing down the 177-run deficit under the day-night conditions, openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett began things aggressively. The duo kept the Australian bowlers on their toes and wiped off 48 runs from the deficit in just 7.3 overs.

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However, the Australian pacers soon discovered their rhythm as Scott Boland drew first blood, trapping Ben Duckett (15). The critical breakthroughs came later with Michael Neser removing both Ollie Pope (26) and the set opener Zak Crawley (44).

The day ended with the wicket of England wicket-keeper Jaimie Smith (4). Earlier, Joe Root (15) and Harry Brook (15) fell to Starc and Scott Boland, respectively.