Today’s back pages: Ashes star Steve Smith leaves England in double trouble

The Ashes 2019: England vs. Australia

• 4th Test day two, Old Trafford
• Australia first innings: 497-8 declared
• England first innings: 23-1
• England trail by 474 runs

England face an uphill task to win back the Ashes after Steve Smith put on another batting masterclass.

The Daily Mirror reports that the Australian “battered” England on day two of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. He scored 211 as Australia declared on 497-8.

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It was “double trouble” for England, says the Daily Mail and The Guardian, as Smith was dropped by Jofra Archer on 65 and survived a dismissal off a Jack Leach no-ball.

If England are to salvage the Ashes they will need their batsmen to step up today. The hosts are 23-1 and go into day three 474 runs behind.