SMITH TAKES STICK FOR NOT ENFORCING THE FOLLOW-ON... BUT IS DEFENDED BY STARC

Australia's captain chose to send his batsmen out again with his side 215 runs in front

Steve Smith was on the end of a barrage of criticism after failing to enforce the follow-on in the second Ashes Test.

Smith's bowlers had bundled England out for 227 in their first innings, leaving Australia 215 runs in front, but the Baggy Green skipper opted to send his openeing batsmen back out on the third evening rather than set about their guests a second time.

By the end of the session at the Adelaide Oval, Australia were 53 for four - with both Smith and David Warner among the dismissed batsmen, leaving some high-profile pundits to question Smith's decision.

Shane Warne led from the front during a commentary stint on Channel Nine.

“I just think Australia’s missed an opportunity ... to really put the foot on the throat and be ruthless,” he said.

^{Shane Warne was among those to criticise Steve Smith's decision}

Later, in a tweet, he added: "Great days play here in Adelaide. Aust missed a trick by not enforcing the follow on under lights & I feel it was possibly a sports science decision not a cricket decision. Aust still ahead in the game as they lead by 265 but if England could chase 350 or less then you never know".

Australia's bowlers had got through 76.1 overs in the first innings but still had the opportunity to crank up the pressure on England's beleaguered batting order under the lights and in seam-friendly conditions.

A top order that has struggled against the pace and zip of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins would have had to survive more than 25 overs, through twilight, but Smith said no.

Ex-pros lined up to query the decision, with Michael Clarke, Bob Willis and Graeme Swann all suggesting it was the wrong move.

But Starc pointed out that there are still two full days - and hence two sessions under floodlights - left in the game.

"It was purely up to Smithy, that's why he's the captain," Starc said.

^{Smith was one of four Australian wickets to fall on Monday}

"There are pros and cons for both decisions I'm sure, but we'll look to build on our lead.

"The bowlers have a little bit of time to freshen up and come out firing for that second innings, and hopefully knock them over.

"We know that the night sessions are the toughest time to bat and England have only had to do it for 10 overs so far (in this Test).

"If they're going to try and win this Test match they are probably going to have to go through two night sessions, so it's great signs for us with the ball if you look at that session we just faced there.

"With a lead of 260 going into a day session we're still very much in the driver's seat.

"There's no reason why we can't build a really big lead and have England on the ropes in the night session going forward."

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