David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne grind down England on day one in Adelaide

England suffered another dispiriting day in the Ashes as David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne ground down the bowling on day one of the second Test in Adelaide.

Labuschagne capitalised on two dropped catches to end 95 not out as the hosts closed on 221-2.

Warner made 95, sharing a stand of 172 in 58 overs with Labuschagne after Stuart Broad removed Marcus Harris in the eighth over.

Warner hit a short, wide ball from Ben Stokes to extra cover in the final session – his second dismissal in the 90s of the series – but England were again hurt by their own efforts in the field.

Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who had spectacularly caught Harris down the leg side, put Labuschagne down twice, on 21 and again on 95 late in the day – the second a simple, regulation chance under the floodlights.

There were also questionable tactics from England, who recalled both Broad and James Anderson from the first Test loss but struggled for potency.

The day began in dramatic circumstances when, hours before the start of play, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins was ruled out of the Test after being deemed a close contact of someone who tested positive for Covid-19.

However, it ended with Australia, captained by Steve Smith for the first time since the ball-tampering scandal, in a commanding position. (BBC)