England were battling to stay in the second Ashes Test on Friday after Australia removed both openers in a fiery spell under lights on Day Two to leave the visitors reeling. The home team declared their first innings on a commanding 473-9 here, leaving England to face a trying 40 minutes against a swinging pink-ball before a lightning strike brought play to a close for the day.

Once again, England’s fate rests with skipper Joe Root, who was unbeaten on five alongside Dawid Malan on one as they reached stumps at 17 for two after lightning forced an early halt. Earlier, Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with a magnificent 103 while David Warner (95) and Smith (93) provided vital support after Australia resumed from their overnight 221-2. Ben Stokes was the pick of the England attack with 3-113, while Jimmy Anderson took 2-58.