Pace ace takes 5-88 as England crumble for 233 to hand hosts a 120-run win
Pacemen Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood spearheaded Australia to a crushing 120-run win over England to open up a 2-0 lead in the five-Test Ashes series here this morning. Hazlewood snuffed out England's outside hopes of a come-from-behind victory when he dismissed captain Joe Root in the third over of the final day of the first-ever day-night Ashes Test.
Pacer Mitchell Starc (centre) celebrates Australia's win over England with teammates this morning. Pic/ Getty Images
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Starc mopped up the tail to finish with five for 88. Holders England now face the prospect of losing the series in next week's third Test at Perth's WACA Ground where they have not won a Test since 1978. While Root was batting England's hopes lingered of bringing off a record run chase of 345 at Adelaide Oval.
But Hazlewood enticed a bottom edge and wicketkeeper Tim Paine did the rest to the unrestrained glee of the Australian team.
Root left the field on his overnight score of 67 and with him England's hopes vanished.
England entered the final day 178 runs from victory with six wickets in hand after a dramatic momentum switch yesterday. Australia dismissed England for 227 on Monday but decided against sending them back in to bat despite holding a 215-run lead. The tourists subsequently skittled out the Australians for 138.
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