The Ashes: Marcus Trescothick insists England will keep 'fighting'

Speaking on Thursday at the end of day two, England's bowling coach acknowledged the scale of the task facing the tourists, who require a victory to keep the series alive.

England closed on 213 for eight in reply to Australia's first-innings total of 371, leaving them trailing by 158 runs with only two wickets in hand.

Only a significant fightback now seems capable of rescuing England's position in the match, and by extension the series.

Trescothick admitted it was frustrating that his side were unable to exert greater control earlier in the contest, particularly given the nature of the surface.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Trescothick was keen to highlight the spirit within the squad and paid particular tribute to captain Ben Stokes.

The all-rounder battled through visible discomfort after becoming dehydrated during the day, yet continued to lead from the front as England attempted to limit the damage.

"We are behind the game again in the situation we currently stand," he said.

"But another 10-11 overs till the new ball tomorrow to try and score as many runs as we can and obviously then see what happens from there on in.

"But we're disappointed, of course. I think we're still fighting, we're still scrapping away in terms of what we're trying to do.

"I thought Australia bowled well and didn't make it easy for us, and credit to them for that. But we've just got to keep digging in and keep scrapping away and see what we can do."

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