With Australia's grasp on the Ashes seemingly slipping following a dramatic day two collapse, the newspapers Down Under have focused heavily on the rapidly wearing pitch at The Oval.

Here, we looks at a selection of editorials from Australia's morning papers.

"Oval curator Bill Gordon was under heavy fire for producing a controversial pitch where balls were going through the top of the pitch, bringing up explosions of dust and bouncing randomly" - Ben Dorries, The Australian.

"Hardly a soul in England will complain if their brave lads can dismiss Australia bowling last on a dusty, dodgy deck to regain the Ashes. Heck, (groundsman) Bill Gordon might even receive an MBE" - Malcolm Conn, The Australian.

"England has ordered and prepared a dodgy deck. The talk about producing a typical Oval pitch was all smoke and mirrors. England provided a track as dry as a camel's tongue and as eager to spin as Gandhi" - Peter Roebuck, The Age.

"Unless the Australia side conjures a miracle on a pitch crumbling faster than their hopes, Ricky Ponting will captain a consecutive series loss in England following a day two massacre at The Oval" - Sydney Morning Herald.

"Broad's 5-19 in 47 deliveries had The Oval crowd in delirium but Australia will privately question the preparation of the wicket, which has been slammed by certain observers as "overbaked" after breaking up on the first day" - Jamie Pandaram, Sydney Morning Herald.

"Fourteen years of world domination is in danger of crumbling with the Oval pitch" - Herals Sun.