Mitchell Starc puts Australia in complete control

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc appeals during Day Three of the second Ashes Test. Pic/Getty Images

Mitchell Starc's milestone in day-night Test matches has left Australia in command of the second Ashes Test, with the home side taking a 282-run lead to stumps on Day Three with nine wickets in hand.

England capitulated from 150-2 to be all out for 236 in reply to Australia's first-innings total of 473-9 declared.

Australia captain Steven Smith decided against enforcing the follow-on before the home side went to stumps on Saturday at 45-1 with David Warner, the man run out after a mid-wicket mix-up.

Under-pressure opener Marcus Harris survived both that and a crucial 17-over period under lights to finish unbeaten on 21 along with night-watchman Michael Neser (2).

Australia remain unbeaten in the eight pink-ball Tests it has played, partly because of game management and partly because of skill. A large chunk of that day-night expertise can be attributed to Starc.

No bowler enjoys using the pink ball as much as the left-hander, who claimed 4-37 in the first innings at Adelaide Oval. His record now stands at 50 wickets - 18 ahead of next-best Josh Hazlewood - at an average of 18.10 in day-night Tests.

Brief scores
Australia 473-9 decl & 45-1 v England 236 (D Malan 80, J Root 62; M Starc 4-37, N Lyon 3-58)

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