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Jos Buttler drops cost England as Australia dominate start of second Ashes Test

Australia dominate day one of second Ashes Test
© Reuters
Australia dominate the opening day of the second Ashes Test match with England, helped by two dropped catches by Jos Buttler.

Australia have dominated the first day of the second Test match with England, reaching 221-2 by the close of play in Adelaide.

The drama was seemingly saved for off the pitch ahead of the toss with Australia captain Pat Cummins being ruled out having been identified as a close contact of a positive coronavirus case.

Although stand-in skipper Steve Smith won the toss and elected to bat first in the day-night contest, first blood went to England as the recalled Stuart Broad dismissed Marcus Harris for just three.

On that occasion, Buttler took a fine one-handed catch to his right, but the England wicket-keeper later dropped two chances, the second being a simple opportunity when Marnus Labuschagne was on 95.

Australia's number three remained unbeaten at stumps, while David Warner had previously reached the same total before holing out off the bowling of Ben Stokes.

Smith is also at the crease after a patient 18 off 71 deliveries, following the tone set by Labuschagne who has faced 275 balls to move within five runs of a century.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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