England limping! Were they prepared enough for Adelaide? Test 3 Day 2 Review!

Warren Livingston joins Steve "SOK" O'Keefe to break down a grueling Day 2 in Adelaide, where Australia tightened their grip on the Ashes while England struggled with the heat, internal tension, and controversial DRS calls.

England’s Lack of Clarity and Internal Friction

O’Keefe highlights a pivotal moment illustrating England’s lack of a clear plan: a visible disagreement between captain Ben Stokes and strike bowler Jofra Archer. Despite Archer taking wickets, Stokes was seen demanding he bowl at the stumps while Archer pleaded for a more defensive field. O’Keefe notes that seeing such tension in the middle, especially in 40-degree heat, is rare and suggests a team "rattled" by Australia’s dominance.

The "GOAT" Surpasses a Legend

Nathan Lyon enjoyed a historic day, claiming two crucial wickets and surpassing Glenn McGrath to become Australia’s second-leading wicket-taker of all time. O’Keefe praises Lyon’s immediate impact, contrasting it with England's Will Jacks, who struggled to contain the Australian batters. Lyon’s ability to "absorb and apply pressure" remains a masterclass in spin bowling.

Alex Carey’s "Smart and Brave" Tactics

The hosts discuss Alex Carey’s unorthodox decision to stand up to the stumps for medium-pacer Scott Boland. O’Keefe calls this "cricket intellect," explaining that it prevents England’s batters from using their feet and negates their ability to hit Boland off his length. This tactic paid dividends with a sharp caught-behind, further proving that Australia is outsmarting England tactically.

The DRS "Shambles"

The video takes a sharp turn into the ongoing DRS controversy. O’Keefe is scathing of the technology’s performance in this series, calling for it to be "sacked off" for the rest of the Ashes. He cites the Jamie Smith dismissal—where a clear deflection off the glove wasn't picked up by Snicko—and Alex Carey’s lucky escapes as evidence that the system is currently "out to lunch" and hurting the integrity of the game.

Stokes: The One-Man Band

Ben Stokes earned high praise for his physical and mental resilience, batting for four hours in sweltering heat while clearly suffering from cramps. However, O’Keefe worries that Stokes is carrying too much of the load, acting as the primary tactical brain in the field and the backbone of the batting order. With England still trailing by 158 runs, the hosts believe England has "no plan B" and is relying solely on Stokes’ individual brilliance to stay in the contest.

Recovery in the Heat

O’Keefe provides a behind-the-scenes look at how players recover during such extreme weather, mentioning everything from hydrolyte slushies and protein bars to ice baths and 10 hours of sleep. He jokes that while Steve Smith might usually reach for a chocolate bar, he might be opting for something lighter given his recent bout of vertigo.

Catch the full episode on Fanatics TV.