England wilted in the Brisbane heat, their top order collapsing under the lights to leave hopes of securing the Ashes in tatters on day three of the second Test at the Gabba.

England slipped from 90 for one to 134 for six as Australia’s attack snared the wickets of Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith.

Before they went in to bat, England had been left with a mountain to climb after Australia’s tail ran their bowlers ragged. The tourists hit a brick wall of resistance as the hosts’ lower order lined up in defiance, stacking up a first-innings lead of 177 as they were bowled out for a formidable 511.

A fatigued England were left to bake in the sunshine as Australia’s last three wickets put on 128, extending a morale-sapping innings into its 118th o

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